Seamlessly write and run MaxScript code in VS Code. Includes syntax highlighting, code snippets for common structures (fn, rollout, struct, loops, etc.), and lightweight autocomplete via curated snippets.
Installation
Launch VS Code Quick Open (Ctrl+P), paste the following command, and press enter.
MaxExec for VS Code
Write and execute MaxScript code directly from Visual Studio Code. This extension provides syntax highlighting, contextual snippets for MaxScript constructs like fn, rollout, struct, if, for, and more, plus basic autocomplete powered by a growing library of built-in functions and object APIs.
✨ Features
🔍 3ds Max Instance Detection
Automatically detects running 3ds Max instances for script execution.
🚀 Send Scripts to Max
Send full files or selected code directly to your chosen 3ds Max instance.
🧠 Syntax Highlighting
Provides syntax highlighting and snippets for .ms and .mcr MaxScript files.
💡 Snippets
Includes useful MaxScript snippets for common structures like if-statements, loops, and function declarations.
💡 Icons
Includes icons for all known 3ds MaxScript related file types.
🛠 Commands
Command
Description
MaxExec: Select 3ds Max Instance
Choose a running instance of 3ds Max
MaxExec: Send Full File to 3ds Max
Sends the entire current file
MaxExec: Send Selection to 3ds Max
Sends the selected text or current line
🔑 Keybindings
Keybinding
Action
Ctrl+Shift+E
Send full file
Ctrl+Shift+S
Send selection or current line
Ctrl+Alt+E
Select 3ds Max instance
📦 Snippet Examples
Examples of available snippets:
if, ifelse, ifdo
while, for, foreach
fn, struct, rollout
case
These are available via the MaxScript language mode.
⚙ Requirements
🛠 Autodesk 3ds Max must be running.
🟦 Requires the included maxexec-messanger.exe tool to be able to communicate with 3ds Max.
🔧 Installation
Clone or download this extension.
Run npm install and npm run build to compile.
Launch with VS Code Extension Development Host.
Open a .ms or .mcr file and start scripting.
🧪 Troubleshooting
❌ No 3ds Max instances found: Ensure 3ds Max is running and not blocked by firewall or permissions.
⚠ Script didn't execute: The selected Max instance may have closed—reselect it via MaxExec: Select Instance.
