3D plug-in developer Lumonix has announced the immediate availability of its ShaderFX plugin for Autodesk 3DS Max, which is designed to allow artists to create shaders for use in Max's real-time viewport and in external applications and game engines.
The ShaderFX plug-in uses a node based interface which allows the user to define data flow by connecting nodes in a tree-like structure. This allows artists with no programming experience to create a shader visually and intuitively. Since it works inside 3DS Max, ShaderFX allows artists to make adjustments to their model and their shader simultaneously so that the two can work together.
In addition, all updates to the shader are displayed in real-time on the model in Max's viewport so iterating and experimentation are quick and easy. Once a user is satisfied with the shader, the user can export the results in the popular HLSL FX format for use in Max or in external applications.
"ShaderFX gives artists complete control over the real-time appearance of their models," commented Ben Cloward, co-creator of ShaderFX for Lumonix. "The node-based interface is so easy to use that it encourages creativity and experimentation. Instead of getting bogged down in code syntax and complex math formulas, artists using ShaderFX can create all kinds of shaders in just minutes by wiring nodes together."
