GrowFX

The purpose of plug-ins is to expand the functionality of the host program. Most of them are simple tools but in some cases these can accomplish a complex set of actions.

Such is the case of GrowFX, a plug-in designed for 3DS Max that enables the user to build various types of plants on specific paths.

The tool requires the host program to be available on the system and it can be added to the computer through a simple installation procedure.

The principle behind GrowFX consists in three general stages: creating paths, creating meshes and changing the path directions. However, each of them includes a set of options that can influence the outcome according to user’s needs.

Integration with 3DS Max is seamless and looks are intuitive for someone already familiar with modeling and rendering software.

The developer boasts with the plug-in’s ability to create realistic trees thanks to the built-in technology that permits combining trunks and branches into a surface with smooth transitions at the contact points.

Animated effects such as plant growing or wind moving the objects is also part of GrowFX’s list of features; moreover, the configuration of some parameters automatically influence the animation of others, saving the user time and effort.

Using the plug-in to building a plant offers the possibility to control growth stages that are reflected by leaves, flowers or fruits.

GrowFX is flexible enough to allow the creation of a group of plants that can grow into a specific direction and shape set by the user.

All the options are wrapped up in a simple, intuitive interface that should be easy to handle by computer modeling artists. It makes available a versatile set of options for creating realistic natural environments.