Q. Why does the demo version fail to render a GrowFX object to VRay?

This is a limitation of the demo version. In the demo version, conversion to Editable mesh is disabled, so many renders (VRay, finalRender, Brazil, Maxwell Render, etc.) do not get the final mesh, required for rendering.

Q. How do I animate the growth of plants?

You need to configure the animation of the main path length (plant stems), and the length of all other branches must depend on this length. Use the "Affects" settings, which define the influence of some parameters on others. Try to influence the length of branches from the main path by using "Parameter: Length".

Q. How do I set up the "Affects" parameters correctly?

In the "Affects" window, add a parameter you want to influence by selecting it from the list of available parameters. Then set up the desired range of the influencing parameter labeled as "From parameter range". The next step is to enable the graphic representation for the "Factor" parameter to make the coefficient changeable. As you do so, the "0" mark on the graph will correspond to the initial value of "From parameter range", and the "100" mark will correspond to the final value respectively. If you influence using "Parameter: Surface" from "Surface distributor", you need to use "Factor map", rather than "Factor" and use texture as a changeable coefficient. Texture can be black and white, where black areas correspond to the coefficient value "0" and white correspond to "1".

Q. How do I make the branches grow smoothly when I animate the growth of plants?

As a rule, the length of branches is shorter when they are closer to the top of the plant. Therefore, you need to set up the influence from the distributor of branches on to the length of these branches, specifically from "Parameter: Path position". As you do so, you need to set up the graph for the "Factor" parameter to make it go down from some value (for example, "1.0") to "0". As a result, the length of branches closer to the top will go to "0", which will make them grow smoothly during the stem growth.

Q. When do I need to influence with "Parameter: Length"?

Please see picture:

Download "Parameter_Length_example.max"

Q. When do I need to influence with "Parameter: angle div"?

Please see picture:

Download "Parameter_Angle_Div_example.max"

Q. When do I need to influence with "Parameter: angle bend"?

Please see picture:

Download "Parameter_Angle_Bend_example.max"

Q. When do I need to influence with "Parameter: levels"?

Please see picture:
Download "Parameter_Levels_example.max"

Q. When do I need to influence with "Parameter: Surface"?

Please see picture:

Download "Parameter_Surface_example.max"

Q. Is there any other way to use the "Affects" feature?

You can use this feature any way. For example, you can use "Affects" to add chaotic behavior to the parameter. To do so, set up the influence on this parameter without changing the "Factor" value. Simply change the "Chaos %" value. This way we set the random distribution of values on the desired percent for the required parameter.

Q. How do I create needles for conifer plants?

You can create leaves using the "Standard leaves" option. Just select the rectangle and set the "Length/Width" proportion to be equal to "15", for example. Besides, you need to set the path length, to make it equal approximately to the length of a needle and specify the same value for the path step. The plant will be calculated quickly, and the needles will have the least number of faces. Please see picture:

Q. When I animate growth, branches get a bit jumpy. What do I do to get rid of this effect?

If you use "Path distributor" while distributing branches and specify the "Density" parameter graphically, you need to set a greater value for "SubDivs" in the Preference parameters. For example, the value can be set to 20,000 or 40,000. This will make the growth animation smoother.

Q. When do I need to use "Calculate all levels"?

Please see pictures:

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Questions on How to Buy GrowFX:

Q. How can I buy the full version of GrowFX?

You can use any method of payment supported by our e-commerce partners - ShareIt and Plimus. If you have any problems, contact us at sales@exlevel.com.

Q. I made the purchase. When do I get the full version of GrowFX?

Once you have completed your ordering process, you will instantly get the link to download the full version of GrowFX and your serial number by email. Additionally, you can buy the "Extended download" and "Backup CD" options. You can learn more about these options on the Order page.

Q. How do I activate the full version of GrowFX?

Once GrowFX is installed, you'll need to activate it. To do so, follow these steps:
1. Run 3ds Max.
2. Create a GrowFX object. This will open the activation window.
3. Select the most suitable activation type:

a) Automatic activation. Enter your name, serial number and click the Activate button. Activation takes place automatically.

b) Online activation. Fill in the form at activate.exlevel.com. Enter your name, serial number, personal code, and click "Get activation code". Enter the activation code and click the Activate button.

c) Email activation. Send an e-mail with your name, serial number and personal code to support@exlevel.com. Then you will get an activation code. Enter the activation code and click the Activate button.

Q. I'm going to upgrade my PC. How do I transfer my GrowFX license to the new computer?

To transfer the license, run Deactivate.exe in the installation folder, enter your serial number and click the DEACTIVATE button, then you will get an deactivation code. Select the most suitable deactivation type:
a) Click the button "Send Deactivation code to the web-server...", all the details will be automatically sent to the server.
b) Fill in the form at deactivate.exlevel.com. Enter your serial number and deactivation code, and click the Deactivate button.
c) Send an e-mail with your "Serial number" and "Deactivation code" to support@exlevel.com.
Then you'll be able to re-activate GrowFX on the new PC.

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