We have finally released GrowFX 2.0.0 with a Node Editor!
For more information, see What's New in GrowFX 2.0.0

This version has a lot of innovations, so I'll not describe everything here, but you can see our new GrowFX User Manual.
This manual is also available in CHM format in the installation file.

We have also released GrowFX 1.9.9 (Service Pack 10). This release is intended as the final release of version 1.x.

Please feel free to ask if you have any questions.

Thanks!

GrowFX 2.2.0 is now available

We are happy to announce the release of GrowFX 2.2.0.

This update adds compatibility with Autodesk 3ds Max 2027 and introduces several major new features for procedural plant modeling, organic branching, reusable setups, and game-engine workflows.

Main highlights in GrowFX 2.2.0:

• Export to Unreal Engine using the Pivot Painter 2 workflow.
• New Space Colonization node for generating crowns, fine branches, and organic branching structures.
• New Space Clouds: Sphere, Box, Custom Mesh, and Path.
• New Unified Skeleton node for combining several generated path structures into one continuous skeleton with shared radii, a single mesh, and continuous UV mapping.
• New GrowFX Reference node for creating reusable GrowFX setups and multiple variations based on one original object.
• Full compatibility with Autodesk 3ds Max 2027.
• New Simple Path Position node.
• Updated Curve node with inline editing, popup editing, and access to the legacy 3ds Max Curve control window.
• Updated Public Parameters Manager with multiple rollouts and drag-and-drop organization.
• Many internal improvements, stability fixes, and bug fixes.

Export to Unreal Engine

One of the most important additions in GrowFX 2.2.0 is the new export workflow for Unreal Engine.

GrowFX can now export plant models together with Pivot Painter 2 data, making it possible to use GrowFX vegetation in Unreal Engine with hierarchical wind animation. This workflow exports the model as FBX and generates the required Pivot Painter 2 textures for Unreal Engine materials.

In this example, the tree was created in GrowFX, exported to Unreal Engine, and animated using the Pivot Painter 2 workflow.
You can also download the source file, as well as FBX and texture files:

FraxinusExelsior.zip

Space Colonization examples

GrowFX 2.2.0 also introduces a new Space Colonization system. It can be used to generate natural-looking branching structures by filling defined spaces and following guide paths.

Example 1:

Max 2024 file:  Tree_06.max

Gfx file:  Tree_06.gfxTree_06.mat

In this example, Space Colonization is used to create a tree crown with fine organic branching. The branching structure is generated inside a defined space, making it easier to control the overall silhouette of the plant.

Example 2:

Max 2024 file:  Shrubs_01.max

Gfx file:  Shrubs_01.gfxShrubs_01.mat

This example shows how Space Clouds can be used to control the growth area. The new Sphere, Box, Custom Mesh, and Path cloud types make it possible to guide the generated branches in different ways depending on the model you want to create.

GrowFX Reference node

GrowFX 2.2.0 also introduces the new GrowFX Reference node.

This node allows one GrowFX object to reference another GrowFX object and use selected parameters exported through Public Parameter nodes. This makes it possible to build reusable plant setups and then create multiple variations from the same original object.

In this example, the tree on the left is the original base tree, while the trees on the right are several referenced variations with different tree heights.
Max 2024 file:  Tree_01.max

GrowFX 1.9.9 SP13

We have also updated GrowFX 1.9.9 to Service Pack 13.

GrowFX 1.9.9 SP13 adds compatibility with Autodesk 3ds Max 2027. It also includes compatibility improvements for the GrowFX 1.9.9 component included in GrowFX 2.2.0 and fixes a hierarchy generation bug.

Download and release notes

You can find the full release notes and download the latest demo version on our website:

https://exlevel.com/releases/
https://exlevel.com/download/

Please feel free to ask if you've any questions.

Thanks!

I want to announce the release of the new versions 2.1.2 and 1.9.9 SP12.

What's New in GrowFX 2.1.2:

+ Added a new DrawSurf node. With it, the user can draw trunks, branches or leaves directly in the viewport starting from the surface of a specified scene object. If you enable the Attract to surface mode, you can draw creeping plants. As with the DrawPath node, the lines drawn can be edited.

+ The DrawPath node has the ability to attract branches to the surface of a specified scene object. Also, some features for editing branches have been added, such as moving points with a specified falloff radius, and rotating the starting vector by grabbing any point.

+ Multithreading support for After Mesh Modifiers. We have accelerated the calculation of wind animation by 2 times.

+ Added the Node manager, where the user can quickly enable or disable nodes.

+ Fixed some bug in the Instanced Geometry.

+ Minor bugs are fixed.

You can download this model here:

Max file (3dsMax 2024): Ivi_Rotunda.max

GrowFX file (*.gfx): Ivi_Rotunda.gfxIvi_Rotunda.mat

What's new in GrowFX 1.9.9 SP12:

+ Fixed some bug in the Instanced Geometry.

+ Minor bugs are fixed.

These versions are available for download in the User panel.

If you're using version 2.1.2, then you don't need to download 1.9.9 SP12, since it's already contained in 2.1.2.

Please feel free to ask if you've any questions.

Thanks!

Finally, version 2.1.0 has been released.

We implemented our own thread pool, which really accelerated the calculation of paths and mesh data.
Unfortunately we couldn't speed up Meta Mesh because it can't run in multithreaded mode.

We also fixed the issue with using Inctanced Geometry when using Deform along path. This issue occurred when generating a large number of objects.

Our fix even sped up the calculation

Regarding other innovations, you can see here:

Please feel free to ask if you have any questions.

Thanks!

I want to announce the release of the new version 2.1.0 beta.

What's New in GrowFX 2.1.0:

+ Added full compatibility with 3ds Max 2026 (64-bit).

+ Added a new DrawPath node. With it, the user can draw branches or leaves directly in the viewport. Then you can edit the drawn branches by moving the starting positions or redrawing the branches. You can move some points, thereby changing the direction of the branch.

For more information, please see the help page: https://exlevel.com/growfx2-manual/Node_DrawPath.html

+ Added a new Vertex Color Map Channel node, which allows you to change the Map Channel other than 0 for the Vertex Color system.

+ Added a new UVW Custom node. With it, the user can write specific values to the UVW coordinates. Data can be obtained from Attribute nodes, and also modified using the Math nodes.

+ Added a new Attribute IDs node. It allows the user to get path line indices, parent path line indices, or a branch level. Then this data can be passed, for example, to the UVW Custom node.

+ Improved mesh generation process.

+ Added Weighted pivot to the Creating Hierarchy group in the Preference parameters. When on, pivots will be directed to the last point of the path.

+ Added a MaxScript property: $.ShowIndexes

+ Some minor bugs are fixed.

This version is available for download in the User panel.

Please feel free to ask if you have any questions.

Thanks!

We have prepared a new beta version, it's available to customers only.

What's New in GrowFX 1.8.5 Beta:

+ Added full compatibility with 3ds Max 2013 and 3ds Max Design 2013 (32 and 64-bit);

+ Improved algorithm for wind animation;

+ Added Highlighted paths mode;

+ Added new options Align width and Along edge in the UVW Mapping rollout for the Leaves mesh;

+ Smooth growth of ending point for Noise direction modifier;

+ Added ability to disable calculations (for opening crashed scenes);

To do this click Start menu > All programs > Exlevel > GrowFX for 3dsMaxXXXX XX-bit > Disable calculations.

+ Correct copying a path name when you copy the path;

+ Multi select paths for deleting and highlighting;

+ Don't open the message window every time;

+ Some minor bugs are fixed.

A detailed description and user manual will be available later.

Here's some examples:

Align width and Along edge is off:

Align width is on, Along edge is off:

Both Align width and Along edge is on:

Highlighted paths mode enabled:

Cheers

gfx = growfx name:"Tree_01"
gfx.LoadPreset "d:\mytree.gfx"

Cheers!

GFX Plants 101 is a collection of realistic 3d models of coniferous trees for 3ds max and GrowFX 1.99.
You can tweak or animate many parameters and receive desired shapes and animation. Use ready 3d plants from library or make your own variations in GrowFX, adjust height, density, style and so on, tweak wind speed, plant flexibility and make looped wind animation. 3ds Max 2017+ and the latest version of GrowFX 1.99 SP11 is required.

• Added full compatibility with 3ds Max 2020 (64-bit);
• Added the ability to specify your own copyright to the GrowFX model;
• Improved algorithm for the Wind Animation modifier;
• Added a new parameter Amplitude Multiplier for the Wind Animation modifier;
• Add a MaxSctipt access to the Looping Period in the Wind Animation modifier;
• Support Explicit Normals in the Instanced geometry;
• Fixed import of Editable Poly objects in the Instanced geometry;
• Some minor bugs are fixed.

Set your own copyright to the GrowFX model:

Just click on "Set your own copyright", and a dialog opens to specify your copyright. You also need to enter a password so that someone else can't change your copyright. This information is encrypted and stored in max and gfx files. As long as the model is in GrowFX format, your copyright will always be displayed in the About rollout.

We've slightly improved the Wind Animation algorithm, and added the Amplitude Multiplier parameter, which allows to reduce the amplitude of swaying stems/branches in the wind, and to make the movement smoother:

Please feel free to ask if you have any questions.

Thanks!

We have launched Exlevel User Panel.

Now you can register there, to download GrowFX updates. You can also manage your licenses and see your activations.

Please feel free to ask if you have any questions.

Thanks,

Eduard.

• Improved the Looping animation algorithm for the Wind Animation modifier;
• Added the Prevent Penetration option and the Min distance for the Object reaction modifier. This feature avoids the penetration of branches into the object surface;
• Some minor bugs are fixed.

Looping animation

Now you can simply set the Looping Period value, and the system will exactly repeat the movement after the specified number of frames.
Please note, for the correct looping animation, don't use the Perturb Speed, Perturb Vector and Decay options in the Wind helper settings.

Object reaction modifier

Now the system more precisely prevents penetration into the object surface. We added the Min distance parameter so you can adjust the distance between the lines and the surface.

Please feel free to ask if you have any questions.

Thanks!

 
We also improved the playback of the cache files. For example, if you recorded a tree growth animation from 0 to 300 frames, and you want to start growing from frame 500. To do this, you need set the Start Frame = 500, and before the frame 500 your tree will exist as it was recorded in frame 0, and after frame 800 your tree will exist as it was recorded in frame 300.

Also you can record animation frames as you like. For example, you can first record frames from 0 to 100, then record frames from 101 to 200. In this case, the previous frames (0 to 100) will not be deleted. And to combine them, you just need to load any frame, for example, the file tree_000000000.gfxcache, in this case GrowFX will ask:
 
Do you want to open a sequence of files:
tree_000000000.gfxcache
...
tree_000032000.gfxcache?
 
And if you click Yes, the master file tree.gfxcache will be overwritten, and you can play the animation from 0 to 200 frames.

Please feel free to ask if you have any questions.

Thanks!

+ Added a new feature Looping animation;
+ Added a new parameter Strength factor in the Axial rotation group;
+ Added a new parameter Angle Strength in the Orientation for leaves group;

+ Added the Invert lines button in the Eraser modifier;
+ Many bugs are fixed.
 

Improved the Wind Animation modifier:

 
The Looping animation feature:
 

 
For example, the Period = 50, then you can compare the frames 0 and 50, the trunk and branches should be identical. You can also compare for example frames 10 and 60, they should also be the same. 
Accordingly, for recording cache or proxy, you must use frames 0 ... 49, or 10...59, etc.
 
To change the Period value you can customize the following settings: Stiffness, Scale Frequency, or the Wind Speed in the fan settings. If you changed any value, to fully update the period value click the Update button to recalculate the model, or just move the time slider.
 
To create a looping animation of the tree, you must determine the total period of the loop. For example, it will be 200 frames. Then adjust the wind of the trunk so that its period is equal to 200. For other paths, adjust the period value is equal to a multiple of 200, for example 100, 50, 25, 10, 5, etc. Ie for the branches, Period = 100 or 50, etc. For the leaves, you can set the Period = 10 or 5.
 
Also, please don't use the animation of the wind speed, or other parameters, and don't use the Perturb options in the wind object settings.
 
Please see some examples:

SmallTree_WindLoop.max

PopulusCanadensis_WindLoop.max

Test looped animation:

The Eraser modifier:

The Invert lines button allows you to invert the list of erased lines. This can be useful if you want to erase all the branches except for a few.

 
Please feel free to ask if you have any questions.

Thanks!

The Cache rollout:

How to cache a static tree:

How to cache an animated tree:

The Bake Direction feature in the Object Reaction modifier:

How to bake directions in the Object Reaction modifier:

The Chaos pos % in the Path Position Distributor:

Converting the Path Distributor into the Path Position Distributor:

The new option Shift Start Point in the Noise direction modifier:

The new option Scale proportionally in the Leaves mesh:

The new option Stop stitching for children in the Meta mesh:

+ Added the Generate Instances button for the Instanced Geometry;

+ Added new option Flip normals for the Standard leaves mesh;

+ Added new option 2-Sided leaves for the Standard leaves mesh;

+ Added new option 2-Sided leaves for the Leaves mesh;

+ Many bugs are fixed.

Object slice modifier:

 
 An example of use:

Generate Instances button in the Instanced Geometry:

Note: To unlock this button, turn off the Combine meshes!

New options in the Standard leaves mesh:

New option in the Leaves mesh:

Please feel free to ask if you have any questions.

Thanks!

• Added full compatibility with 3ds Max 2015 and 3ds Max Design 2015 (64-bit);
  
• Improved viewport performance in 3ds Max 2015;
  
• Added a new parameters group called Alarm limits to the Preference parameters. By setting these parameters, you can be sure that your model will not cause a memory overflow;
  
• Some minor improvements and bugfixes.
  

 

 
Also, we have updated all models in our Plants Library.
 
 
Please feel free to ask if you have any questions.

Thanks!

getNumPaths()
Returns the number of paths.

getNumDistributors <path_index_integer>
Returns the number of distributors for the specified path, index are 1-based.

getNumModifiers <path_index_integer>
Returns the number of modifiers for the specified path, index are 1-based.

getNumMeshBuilders <path_index_integer>
Returns the number of mesh builders for the specified path, index are 1-based.

getNumAfterMeshModifiers <path_index_integer>
Returns the number of after mesh modifiers for the specified path, index are 1-based.


getPath <path_index_integer>
Returns the indexed path, index are 1-based.

getDistributor <path_index_integer> <distributor_index_integer>
Returns the indexed distributor for the specified path, indexes are 1-based.

getModifier <path_index_integer> <modifier_index_integer>
Returns the indexed modifier for the specified path, indexes are 1-based.

getMeshBuilder <path_index_integer> <mesh_index_integer>
Returns the indexed mesh builder for the specified path, indexes are 1-based.

getAfterMeshModifier <path_index_integer> <aftermeshmodifier_index_integer>
Returns the indexed after mesh modifier for the specified path, indexes are 1-based.


getNumSequences()
Returns the number of sequences. It equals the number of objects that are used in the distributors (the GrowFX icon, points, surfaces, etc.).

getNumLines <sequence_index_integer>
Returns the number of lines for the specified sequence, index are 1-based.

GenerateOneMesh <sequence_index_integer> <line_index_integer>
After calling this function, GrowFX generates a mesh for only the specified line, indexes are 1-based.

ResetOneMesh()
Resets the state of the previous function.

Please feel free to ask if you have any questions.
 
Thanks!

• Added a new Eraser modifier that allows the user to erase unwanted lines (stems, branches, leaves etc.) directly from the viewports;
  
• Added a new options for the Rescale GrowFX object;
  
• Some minor bugs are fixed.
  

(Here I present some of the innovations that have been added after the release of version 1.9.3 Beta.)

• Added a new Align Children modifier that enables the user to align child paths in case the parent path is too distorted. This modifier must be added BEFORE the modifiers that distorts the parent path, thus eliminating its effect on child paths;
• Added a possibility to track the distance between a GrowFX object and any other object, and create an Affect from this value affecting other parameters;
• Added Override steps options for the following mesh builders: Cylinder mesh, Meta mesh and Leaves mesh. It allows you to change the lineal length of mesh polygons without changing its shape. You can now create several models of the same plant with a different number of polygons. This and the previous feature also allow you to create models where the number of polygons is directly related to the distance from camera;
• Direction Modifiers and After Mesh Modifiers windows can be opened together;
• Introduced a completely reworked data storage method and algorithms. As the result, a lot of minor bugs have been fixed.

 
Using the Align Children modifier:

The Override steps options for some mesh builders:

An example of a tree where the number of polygons is directly related to the distance from camera:

TrackDistance_1.max

Please feel free to ask if you have any questions.

Thanks,
Eduard.

We have prepared a new beta version, it's available to customers only.

What's New in GrowFX 1.7.0

+ New direction modifier "Wind animation", and "Wind" helper object. For easy and quick settings of the wind animation.

+ New direction modifier "Hard bend". This allows to create a hard bend directions, mainly for the leaves of palm trees.

+ Support of the Nitrous viewport graphics mode in 3ds Max 2012.

+ Some minor bugs are fixed.

A detailed description and user manual will be available later.

Here you can see a video tutorial to configure a wind animation of the tree:

Download this scene (3ds Max 2009 + GrowFX 1.7.0)

Cheers

We have prepared a new beta version, it's available for customers only.

What's New in GrowFX 1.9.0 Beta

+ Added the After Mesh modifiers feature. This will allow apply direction modifiers after calculation mesh. For example, the wind animation will now calculated very quickly, in some cases in real time;

+ Added ability to copy components (Distributors, Modifiers directions and Mesh builders) as instances;

+ Added a new parameter Seed offset for all modify directions;

+ Added new option Disable all MetaMeshes in the Preference parameters. This will allow more easily configure your trees with metameshes, all metameshes will be presented as cylindrical mesh. Don't forget to turn off it when finished;

+ New feature for MetaMesh: Stop stitching by Radius. This will allow more easily optimize the calculation of metamesh;

+ Added a new parameter Angle axis for the Leaves mesh;

+ Now it's possible to change the order of color components in the Vertex Color;

+ Added ability to apply one of several presets for any curve controls.

+ Improved algorithm for HardBend modifier;

+ Display the pathname of the *.gfx file on UI.

+ Some minor bugs are fixed.

After Mesh modifiers feature:

Seed offset:

Disable all MetaMeshes:

Stop stitching by Radius:

Angle axis for Leaves mesh:

Added a buttons to change the order of color components in the Vertex Color:

Curve presets:

Display the pathname of the *.gfx file:

Cheers