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Script

Bone Name Switcheroo! (Base CATRig to MotionBuilder)

By appsotight · 2012-04-27

Version
1.0
Version requirement
3ds Max 2011 and up to current
Other software required
3DS Max 2011 script that works with CATRig Base Human
Date updated
2012-04-27
Homepage
http://www.desktopepics.com
Downloads
Description

Brief: Changes the Base CATRig Bone names to MotionBuilder Friendly Names.

For those who use 3DS Max CATRig to transfer models and bones MotionBuilder, you know your bones need to be re-named for proper character definitions during the characterization phase in MB. Click n' drop and/or manually assigning the right names to MB could be a tedious process.

Well, here's Bone Name Switcheroo!

Just a small script to shave off a little bit of your time. Simply run the script, or drop it into your 3DS Max interface, and when you get the 'All Done' box, it's done!

This is what it looks like PRIOR to using the script. Typical bone name assignment for the CATRig Bones:

This is what it looks like AFTER using the script. Bone names changed properly to be exported to MotionBuilder for swift and easy characterization.

Additional Info

*Note: Naturally, this is designed for the Base Human character. Extra bones or an animal-like models will not be assigned new names unless they have the same titles. (i.e., extra bones, digits, etc will not be changed).

Typically, any CATRig sample that has a 'Base Human' naming structure will be be changed to the MotionBuilder flow. You just need to find the bones that didn't change (i.e., finger digits, etc).

The script obviously looks for CATRig bone name structure. Using the script on an empty screen or another bone name structure will produce errors.

Future Thingy's: Working on a much more automated version that will look at your custom and change it regardless of the rig for easier transference to MotionBuilder.

Any suggestions gladly accepted.