MaxExec

MaxExec – MaxScript Development in VS Code
Write and run MaxScript code directly from Visual Studio Code. This extension adds syntax highlighting, handy snippets, and the ability to send scripts straight to a running 3ds Max instance.

Get it on the VS Code Marketplace

Features

• 3ds Max Instance Detection
  Automatically finds running 3ds Max instances so you can send scripts without manual setup.

• Send Scripts to Max
  Send entire files or selected code directly to your chosen 3ds Max session.

• Syntax Highlighting & Snippets
  Supports .ms and .mcr files, with useful snippets for functions, rollouts, structs, loops, and conditionals.

• Code Folding Markers
  Supports region-based folding with MaxScript comments using -- region / -- endregion (also supports -- #region / -- #endregion).

• Hover Docs from Snippets
  Shows quick hover info for known MaxScript symbols based on the curated snippet descriptions.

• Region Diagnostics
  Warns when region / endregion markers are unmatched.

• File Icons
  Adds icons for MaxScript-related file types for easier file browsing.

Commands

Keybindings

Snippets

Quickly insert common MaxScript structures:

• Conditionals: if, ifelse, ifdo
• Loops: while, for, foreach
• Definitions: fn, struct, rollout
• Switches: case

Activate these snippets in files set to MaxScript mode.

Folding Regions

You can create manual foldable regions using comment markers:

-- region Utilities
fn myHelper value =
(
  value * 2
)
-- endregion

Also supported:

-- #region UI
rollout r "Demo" ()
-- #endregion

Requirements

• Autodesk 3ds Max must be running.
• The included maxexec-messanger.exe tool is required to communicate with Max.

Installation

1. Clone or download this extension.
2. Run npm install and npm run build.
3. Launch VS Code in Extension Development Host mode.
4. Open a .ms or .mcr file and start coding.

Troubleshooting

• No 3ds Max instances found: Make sure Max is running and not blocked by firewall or permissions.
• Script didn't execute: The selected Max instance may have closed—reselect it using MaxExec: Select 3ds Max Instance.

License

MIT

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