is a specialized retopology plugin for Autodesk 3ds Max , developed by Matt Clark at The Pixel Hive. Originally released in 2009, it was a pioneer in enabling artists to create clean, low-poly geometry over high-resolution sculpts or 3D scans within the 3ds Max environment. CG Channel Core Functionality and Workflow
The primary purpose of Wrapit is to "wrap" or conform a low-polygon mesh onto a high-polygon target mesh. Its standout feature is the mode, which allows users to utilize standard Editable Poly
modeling tools—such as edge loops, bridge, and connect—while the software automatically snaps every vertex to the underlying surface. The typical workflow involves: Target Selection:
Choosing one or more high-poly objects (e.g., ZBrush sculpts or CAD models) as the base. Surface-Conformed Modeling:
Creating or modifying a low-poly "Source Object" that remains constrained to the target's geometry. Refinement:
Using specialized tools like "Relax Over Surface" to smooth the mesh while maintaining its proximity to the high-poly model. www.matt-clark.co.uk Key Features
A tool for the automatic generation of quad-based meshes directly from target objects. Strip and Branch Painting:
Allows artists to "paint" polygon strips or cylindrical topology (branches) directly onto the surface, significantly speeding up complex organic retopology. Flexible Projection Modes: Offers three modes— Closest Point Vertex Normal Screen Space —to handle different geometry projection needs. Relax All/Relax Loop:
Adjusts vertex positioning to ensure even distribution without losing contact with the high-poly surface. www.matt-clark.co.uk Current Status and Availability
While modern versions of 3ds Max now include native tools like the Retopology Modifier
tools, Wrapit remains a valued addition to many professional pipelines due to its specific toolset and ease of use. CG Channel As of May 2024, Wrapit has been released as a free download
for all users. It is compatible with 3ds Max versions ranging from 2009 up to 2024. Artists can find the latest version on the The Pixel Hive official website. CG Channel Wrapit - the pixel hive
Comprehensive Overview of Wrapit for 3ds Max Wrapit is a powerful third-party retopology toolset for Autodesk 3ds Max. It is designed to streamline the process of creating clean, low-poly meshes over high-density geometry, such as 3D scans or high-resolution ZBrush sculpts. By integrating directly into the 3ds Max interface, it provides a faster alternative to native tools like Graphite Modeling Tools. Core Functionality and Features
Wrapit functions by "conforming" new geometry to the surface of a high-poly "target" object. Key features include:
Auto-Conforming: As you create or move vertices, they automatically snap to the surface of the underlying high-poly mesh.
The Wrapit Interface: A dedicated floating floater allows for quick access to snapping toggles, offset settings (to prevent surface clipping), and mesh projection tools.
Branching and Extruding: It supports intuitive edge extrusion and "strip" modeling, allowing artists to quickly map out edge loops for organic or hard-surface characters.
Relax and Smooth: Integrated tools allow you to relax the new topology while keeping it snapped to the target, ensuring even quad distribution without losing the original shape. Key Use Cases wrapit 3ds max
Game Asset Creation: Transforming high-density digital sculpts into optimized, game-ready meshes with proper edge flow for animation.
3D Scan Cleanup: Converting raw photogrammetry data—which is often messy and heavy—into usable, lightweight geometry.
Hard Surface Refinement: Tightening up subdivision surfaces by using the high-poly source as a guide for perfect curvature. Workflow Integration The typical Wrapit workflow involves:
Setting the Target: Selecting the high-poly mesh as the "Wrapit Target."
Retopology: Using the "Poly Draw" or "Extend" tools to build the new mesh piece-by-piece.
Refinement: Applying the "Wrapit Relax" to ensure clean UV unwrapping later.
Baking: Once the low-poly is complete, the user can proceed to bake normals and other maps in 3ds Max or external software like Marmoset Toolbag. Conclusion
Wrapit remains a staple for 3ds Max users who require a dedicated, stable environment for manual retopology. While 3ds Max has introduced "Retopology Tools" in recent versions, Wrapit is often preferred for its tactile control and specific "shrink-wrap" modeling feel. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
is a specialized retopology plugin for Autodesk 3ds Max designed to conform low-poly geometry to a high-poly target. Originally released in 2009 by The Pixel Hive , it has recently been released as a
compatible with 3ds Max versions ranging from 2009 up to 2024. Core Purpose and Use Cases Retopology
: It is primarily used to create clean, lightweight meshes over complex high-resolution sculpts from software like ZBrush or Mudbox. Proxy Generation
: Artists use it to build low-poly proxies for physics collision detection or Level of Detail (LOD) assets. Mesh Conforming
: It excels at snapping geometry to organic or hard-surface "target" objects while allowing the user to remain within the 3ds Max interface. Key Features Editable Poly Workflow
: Unlike standalone retopology tools, Wrapit lets you use standard 3ds Max Editable Poly
tools while it actively keeps vertices snapped to the high-poly surface. Projection Modes
: It offers multiple methods for conforming meshes, including Closest Point Vertex Normal Screen Space Painting Tools Strip Paint
: Allows freehand or "click" painting of quad strips directly onto the target mesh. Branch Painting is a specialized retopology plugin for Autodesk 3ds
: Specifically for creating cylindrical or branch-like topology.
: A feature for the automatic generation of quad-based meshes based on the target object's shape. Relax Tools
: Specialized relax functions that smooth out topology while ensuring it stays strictly on the target surface. Modern Alternatives in 3ds Max
While Wrapit remains a favorite for some due to its specific toolset, many of its functions have been partly superseded by native 3ds Max tools: CG Channel Conform Modifier : Used for wrapping meshes or 3D text around other objects. Retopology Tools
: A dedicated modifier for automatic mesh optimization introduced in later versions of Max. PolyDraw (Freeform Tools)
: Integrated tools for drawing geometry on surfaces found in the Graphite Modeling Tools ribbon. CG Channel Conform modifier for simple text wrapping? Wrapit Introduction
hi this is an introduction to the 3d studio max plugging rapid rapid is a tool for conforming low poly meshes to high poly meshes. The Pixel Hive Wrapit 1.0 Released - ScriptSpot
To create a long string of text in 3ds Max using the Wrapit plugin, you'll need to combine the software's native text tools with Wrapit's retopology and conforming features. Wrapit is primarily designed to conform meshes to surfaces, which is perfect for wrapping long text around complex geometry. Step 1: Create the Long Text
First, use 3ds Max's built-in tools to generate your text string:
TextPlus: Go to the Create tab > Geometry > TextPlus. This tool is better for long text as it handles paragraphs and layout more effectively than the older spline-based text.
Input Content: In the Modify panel, type your long text into the text box.
Geometry Settings: Scroll down to the Geometry rollout and increase the Extrude value to give the text thickness.
Subdivide for Flexibility: If you plan to wrap this text around a curved surface, you need enough "geometry" (quads) to bend without stretching. Use a Quadify Mesh modifier or adjust the TextPlus subdivision settings to create an even grid of polygons. Step 2: Set Up the Target Surface
Ensure the object you want to wrap the text around (the high-poly target) is in your scene.
Position your text mesh near the surface of the target object. Step 3: Wrap the Text with Wrapit Launch Wrapit: Open the Wrapit interface.
Select Target: Use the Wrapit picker to select the object the text should conform to. Active Autowrap: Enable Wrapit's 'Autowrap' mode.
Conform: With the text selected, use Wrapit's conforming tools to snap the vertices of the text mesh to the target surface. Wrapit will monitor the vertices and "stick" them to the geometry as you move or manipulate the text. Wrapit for 3ds Max: The User Guide Wrapit
Refine: If the text is very long, you may need to use standard Editable Poly tools (like soft selection) while Wrapit is active to ensure it wraps smoothly around corners or curves. Alternatives for Long Text
If you find the text is too complex for Wrapit to handle in one go, consider these native 3ds Max alternatives:
Conform Modifier: Apply a Conform modifier to the text and select the object as the target to wrap it automatically.
Path Deform: For text wrapping around a cylinder or following a specific line, use the PathDeform (WSM) modifier. Wrapit Introduction
hi this is an introduction to the 3d studio max plugging rapid rapid is a tool for conforming low poly meshes to high poly meshes. YouTube·The Pixel Hive Creating Simple High Poly Text in 3ds Max - 3dmotive
Comprehensive Guide to Wrapit for 3ds Max Wrapit is a specialized retopology tool for Autodesk 3ds Max that conforms low-poly geometry to high-resolution meshes. Originally released in 2009 by developer Matt Clark, it became a production-proven standard for artists at major studios like id Software and MPC. Core Features and Capabilities
Wrapit's primary strength is its seamless integration with the 3ds Max environment, allowing you to use standard Editable Poly and Graphite tools while automatically snapping your work to a target surface.
Projection Modes: It uses three distinct methods for conforming meshes: Closest Point (the fastest), Vertex Normal, and Screen Space.
Strip Painting: This tool allows for the freehand or controlled placement of polygon strips directly onto the high-poly surface to quickly build out topology.
Branch Painting: Specifically designed for cylindrical areas like arms, legs, or tentacles, this tool automates the retopology of complex limbs.
Relax Over Surface: Unlike standard relaxation, this feature slides the mesh over the target surface, maintaining the shape while evening out vertex distribution.
QuadGen: A feature that automatically creates quad-based meshes from high-poly objects, including the projection of materials and UV coordinates. Why Use Wrapit Today?
While modern versions of 3ds Max include native tools like the Conform modifier, PolyDraw, and the Retopology Tools, Wrapit remains relevant for its unique workflow and specific painting tools.
As of May 2024, Wrapit is now free for all users, supporting versions from 3ds Max 2009 through 2024. It is available under a Creative Commons license for non-commercial use. Getting Started
To install Wrapit, you can simply drag and drop the .mzp installer into a 3ds Max viewport or run it via the Script menu. Once installed, it is typically found under the ThePixelHive category in the Customize User Interface menu. Wrapit - the pixel hive
Wrapit is a popular third-party plugin for 3ds Max developed by Mariuss Silaghi. It is essentially a comprehensive suite of retopology and geometry cleaning tools. It bridges the gap between high-poly sculpting workflows (like ZBrush) and 3ds Max, allowing you to create clean, animation-ready topology directly within the Max interface.
This guide covers the core workflow, essential tools, and best practices.