Translate
- Do not copy the duplicate, and leave the link to its current location
- Relink the file to a new path
- Replace the existing file and relink to the new path
- Copy the asset, rename, and relink using a new path and name.
This option allows keeping both files - Adds support to 3Ds Max 2025
- Adds support to search/relink/collect/archive the content of IFL files
- Copy content of IFL files on storing models/materials to the library with assets
- Adds support to search/relink/collect/archive the content of Vrmat files
- Adds support to archives larger than 4GB
- Enhanced File ReLocate Capability
- Adds Ability to Sort Assets by Asset Type/Extension
- Adds Ability to Include/Exclude Files from Collecting by Extension
- Adds Ability to Include/Exclude Files from Renaming by Extension
- Adds Ability to Include/Exclude Directories from Searching by mask
- "Duplicate Asset Replacement" Dialog UI Improvements Rendering Thumbnails:
- Adds an ability to set different width/height for rendering preview thumbnails for models and materials
- Adds an ability to turn off/on lights from model scenes on rendering preview thumbnails
- Drops support to rendering preview for IES files
- New option to render preview settings - Ignore Fit To Dummy: prioritize the pivot point of the model over its alignment within the Dummy boundary
Batch Render&Relink is a crucial tool for efficiently organizing and managing assets in bulk across multiple 3ds Max files, such as models and material libraries.
Additionally, it serves as a powerful solution for rendering previews for 3D models and material libraries.
This plugin allows users to locate missing assets, update resource paths, consolidate assets into a single folder for both models and materials, and archive them for backup or rendering submissions.
Additionally, it provides features for bulk renaming links based on a specified pattern, enhancing the ease of asset management.
With its recent update, Batch Render&Relink gains support for xRef files, Vrmat, and IFL (Image File List), offers the ability to sort assets by type, relocate assets, and includes other enhancements to its functionality.
Batch Asset Tracking
XREF FILES SUPPORT
The updated version of Batch Render&Relink now supports xRef files.
This expands the tool’s capabilities, allowing work not only with models but also with project scene files.
Users can now relink all assets, including those part of xRef scenes, regardless of their nesting level.
IFL files support
Batch Render&Relink now accommodates IFL files, enabling the search and copying of raster files specified in .ifl files.
An IFL (Image File List) file constructs an animation by listing single-frame bitmap files for each rendered frame. Assigning an IFL file as a bitmap lets rendering step through each specified frame, creating an animated map.SORT ASSETS BY ASSET TYPE/EXTENSION
The plugin now offers the option to sort assets during collection, aiding in the better organization of assets.
This feature allows for sorting assets by types, such as placing proxies and textures in separate folders.
Users can also choose how to sort assets by extension, for instance, separating HDRI files from other bitmaps.
EXCLUDE FILES FROM COLLECTING BY EXTENSION
Excluding files by extension from the collection process adds flexibility, allowing users to leave large files, such as Proxy or HDRI, in their original locations.
Additionally, when gathering all assets into a single folder, users can exclude xRef files from being copied.Assets can also be excluded based on their name, with support for the
wildcard “*” to broaden the exclusion criteria.
All previously utilized options are conveniently stored in a list on the left side, making it easier to reuse them.Pay attention that you can quickly assess which of the additional parameters are used
It’s important to note that during the archiving process, file exclusion settings are disregarded.
EXCLUDE FILES FROM RENAMING BY EXTENSION
The functionality for renaming assets has been enhanced, there is now the ability to exclude files from being renamed based on their extension.
Plans are in place to significantly broaden the capabilities for renaming assets in batch mode in the future.
INCLUDE/EXCLUDE DIRECTORIES FROM SEARCHING BY MASK
The feature to exclude or include directories in the search by using a mask greatly streamlines the asset selection process, helping to prevent confusion between textures and previews.
For instance, if a texture’s name matches that of a model’s preview, the ability to exclude directories containing the words THUMBNAIL* or PREVIEW* from the search is beneficial. Conversely, directories can be specifically included in the search by using masks like TEXTURE* or MAP*.
All previously used options are stored in the list on the left, so users can reuse saved filters at any time.
Duplicate Asset Replacement
The improved interface of the dialog for resolving duplicate asset conflicts allows easy selection between several processing options, providing flexibility in resolving file name conflict issues.
Some assets may have the same names but different content.
To resolve the name conflict issue when copying, we offer the Duplicate Asset Replacement dialog. This dialog will show previews of duplicates and information about them to facilitate the choice of what to do with the duplicate.
The following options are available:The new version offers an improved interface for this dialog and a new feature – you can specify which option you wish to apply to the entire session. This means that the selected option will not become default, but your choice will be applied to all duplicates during this asset collection session.
Relocate capability
The relocate feature enhances asset management by enabling the relinking of assets to a new folder, which is particularly useful for library reorganization or setting up different rendering options.
While the default search targets assets marked as “missing,” there are scenarios where it’s beneficial to relink assets to a different folder.
This may be necessary, for example, for library reorganization or when creating multiple rendering variations with different textures stored in various directories.To utilize this functionality, activate the “Relocate Links” option and define the new destination for the scene assets or material libraries by adding a folder to the list. It’s possible to add multiple folders to this list and change a priority for relocation based on the order of the folders– the higher the folder, the higher its priority, and the search will primarily take place in this folder.
Reorder Search directories with drag&drop Adjusting the order of these directories is straightforward; simply drag and drop a directory within the list to change its position. If you wish to exclude a folder from the search, just remove it from the list or uncheck the box next to it.
TIP: For efficient asset management, consider combining several batch processing features. For instance, you can activate the search, relocate, and collect assets options simultaneously for a streamlined workflow.
Archiving Models and material libraries
Archiving projects and assets is also an important part of working on projects.
It’s essential to regularly back up your projects and resource libraries to safeguard against data loss due to technical failures or other unforeseen issues. Once a project is completed, moving it to an archive ensures its preservation and facilitates easy access in the future.Beyond mere backup, archiving will help in transferring projects and assets to a new computer or sending them to a render farm for processing. Utilizing relative paths for assets during the archiving process streamlines the transfer of projects to new environments or external rendering services, eliminating the hassle of path conflicts and simplifying setup on the receiving end.
Some features of archiving:
– File exclusion settings are not considered during the archiving process. This ensures that all necessary assets are included in the archive, regardless of any exclusion rules set during regular asset management operations.– In the event of duplicate file names, the archiving system automatically renames duplicates to prevent conflicts. This feature maintains the integrity of the archive by ensuring that each asset is uniquely identified, thus avoiding any potential issues during restoration or when the project is transferred to another system.
By adhering to these practices, you can ensure that your projects and assets are securely archived, easily transferable, and protected against loss, thereby supporting a smooth workflow and project continuity.
Extended logging
Extended logging capabilities have been introduced to enhance the monitoring of batch-processing activities.
After completing batch processing, you can access detailed logs through the menu path Customize => Logging => View Logs.
These log files now contain comprehensive information about the batch processing, including the type of file (MAT, MAX, MAX (xRef)), the version of 3ds Max with which the file was saved, and the active renderer for MAX files.
This detailed logging allows you to identify files that remain missing and, if necessary, initiate a new search to locate them.Rendering Thumbnails
Different width/height for rendering thumbnails
While the primary aim of generating previews is utilitarian, many users employ the preview rendering utility to also create high-quality visual representations for their models and materials.
Traditionally, a square has been the go-to, universally fitting size for 3D asset thumbnails. However, creativity thrives on flexibility, which is why we’ve introduced the option to customize the proportions of your preview renderings to suit your unique specifications. This allows for a broader range of thumbnail dimensions, catering to the diverse aesthetic preferences and requirements of our users’ projects.Turn off/on Model Scene Lights
Models like lamp fixtures often come with their own light sources, which can complicate the rendering process when dealing with numerous models, each with varied render settings, materials, and sizes.
To achieve more consistent and predictable outcomes, by default, all lights within the scene are turned off, when rendering previews. But now customers can render previews with the scene’s lights turned on. This feature provides a clearer insight into how the model, such as a lamp with its light source activated, will actually appear, enabling a more accurate depiction in the rendered preview.Pivot’s setting with “Ignore Dummy’s boundary” option
This option will help render the preview for such models as, for example, a tree with roots.
Usually, the pivot of such models is located at ground level.
For a better understanding, take a look at the rendering examples with and without this option.
Turn OFF – Ignore Dummy’s boundary
Turn ON – Ignore Dummy’s boundary
We’re excited about this update and believe it will significantly improve your experience with Batch Render&Relink.
We’re eager to hear your feedback and learn about the features you’d like to see in future updates.
Whether it’s improvements or entirely new functionalities, your suggestions are invaluable in making your workflow smoother and more efficient.
Please share your thoughts and ideas in the comments below. Your input is crucial to us, and we look forward to hearing from you!The full list of changes for this version is given below.
-
Batch Asset Tracking:
$15.50Add to Cart
Related to "Batch Render&Relink v.2.15.08"
You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
