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TREE STORM plugin for Autodesk 3ds Max is a breakthrough product - originally developed and produced in 1998 - is the first 4D modeler for trees ever developed. This plugin package enables you to model trees created with OnyxTREE BROADLEAF, OnyxTREE CONIFER, and OnyxPALM generators or TREE CLASSIC generator directly into Max and animate the trees on the wind. These versions are currently available:

• TREE STORM 2009.32 for 3ds Max 2009 x32 and 3ds Max Design 2009 x32
  
• TREE STORM 2009.64 for 3ds Max 2009 x64 and 3ds Max Design 2009 x64
  
• TREE STORM 2008.32 for 3ds Max 2008 x32 and 3ds Max 9 x32
  
• TREE STORM 2008.64 for 3ds Max 2008 x64 and 3ds Max 9 x64
  
• TREE STORM 5.6 for Max 8/7/6
  

Key TREE STORM Features

• Speed
  
• Variabile modeling resolution and detail
  
• Random variation
  
• Color-per-vertex
  
• UV mapping coordinates
  
• Natural leaves
  
• Three preview modes
  
• Wind
  
• Supports TREE CLASSIC parametric modeler
  
• Works with Max Design 2009, Max 2009, Max 2008, Max 9, Max 8/7/6
  

Variabile modeling resolution and detail

Besides extremely fast modeling, TREE STORM enables you to choose the detail and resolution of a tree prior to actual modeling. Also, once the tree is modeled in the scene, it takes just a moment to go back, adjust the detail and resolution of the tree, and remodel it again. You can even change this tree by adjusting its random seed, or replace it with another tree from the library.

Random variation

Once a tree has been positioned on the scene, you can change it by adjusting its random seed. Or, you can enable random variation prior to actual modeling and then proceed with the positioning. Just start clicking the mouse in the top viewport and the trees are there - each slightly different from the previous one. This is ideal for building tree-lined streets and forests.

Three trees. Each slightly different from the previous one.

Color-per-vertex

The default material setting for trees is color-per-vertex. This allows you to create a tree with exactly the same colors as set in TREE CLASSIC. The colors you set will not only produce beautiful and highly realistic results but will save you quite a bit of rendering time. Therefore, you will not have much need to texture map trees.

This example illustrates the kind of results you can get with the color-per-vertex. The colors are set in TREE CLASSIC, read by TREE STORM, and displayed as Max/Viz color-per-vertex materials.

UV mapping coordinates

If you still wish to use your own textures, you can do that too. Just check the UV for any class of tree elements and TREE STORM will deliver a tree with the UV coordinates enabling you to apply texture maps that will follow the direction of growth of each branch being mapped.

The trunk is custom texture mapped. The texture map follows the direction of trunk growth.

Natural leaves

If you wish to texture map a real leaf onto the leaf objects, you can do that as well. Just specify the number of leaf sub-objects, replace the leaves with the "plates", and check the UV. TREE STORM will deliver a tree with the leaves grouped into the specified number of sub-objects. Each leaf will assume the form of a rectangular surface for easy texture mapping.

First replace the leaves with the "plates", check the UV, and texture map the leaves.

Three preview modes

You can choose to preview a tree in the symbol or envelope form while you are positioning it on the scene and the camera will render it in full detail. The symbol is the fastest and the most economic form of preview and the envelope gives you the mass and shape of fully detailed tree with the minimal number of polygons. You can move these symbol and envelope trees around the scene in a fraction of time it would take you to move around the fully detailed tree. Extra useful time saver!

Symbol, envelope, and full detail preview in the viewport.