Compare Units

Overview

Compare Units is a context-aware measurement and transformation utility for 3ds Max.

It displays object dimensions, position and scale using Metric and US Standard measurements, allowing artists to compare values and make accurate changes without manually converting units.

The interface automatically adapts to the selected object and chosen operation. Three-dimensional geometry displays Length, Width and Height, while two-dimensional splines display Length and Width. Objects with modifiers such as Extrude, Sweep, Bevel or Lathe are recognised from their evaluated shape.

Changes are applied immediately to the appropriate object or modifier parameters and can be recovered using standard 3ds Max Undo.

Technical Requirements

Licence Requirements

This tool requires an active SiNi user account and a valid licence.

Supported Licences

• All Access Subscription
• IgNite Subscription
• Forensic (Free) Licence

The script will not function unless you are logged into the SiNi Desipher Licence Manager within 3ds Max.

If a valid licence cannot be found, functionality will be disabled until a licence is activated.

Activating Your Licence

1. Create a SiNi account at SiNiSoftware.com.
2. Download the latest SiNi installer.
3. Install SiNi into your version of 3ds Max.
4. This installs the SiNi Desipher Licence Manager.
5. Launch 3ds Max.
6. Open the Desipher Licence Manager.
7. Sign in using your SiNi account credentials.
8. Once your licence has been validated, the script will become available for use.

Installation

MZP Package Contents

• Compare Units MacroScript
• Toolbar icon
• Documentation

Installing Compare Units

1. Download the Compare Units MZP package.
2. Drag and drop the MZP file into a 3ds Max viewport.

Alternatively, run the MZP file from Utilities → MAXScript → Run Script.

3. Open Customise → Customise User Interface.
4. Select the Sinilab_Scripts category.
5. Drag Compare Units onto a toolbar, quad menu or menu.

Rollout Reference

Operations

Selects how the current object is measured or edited.

• Dimensions
• Move
• Scale

Dimensions

Displays and edits the physical dimensions of the selected object.

Three-dimensional geometry displays:

• Length
• Width
• Height

Two-dimensional splines display:

• Length
• Width

Compare Units recognises whether modifiers such as Extrude, Sweep, Bevel or Lathe have converted a spline into a three-dimensional object.

Move

Displays and edits the selected object’s X, Y and Z position.

Values remain synchronised with the native 3ds Max transform controls.

Scale

Displays and edits the selected object’s scale.

Scale can be entered using axis percentages or physical Length, Width and Height target dimensions.

Metric

Displays values using standard Metric units:

• Millimetres
• Centimetres
• Metres

Values can be edited directly using the selected unit.

US Standard

Displays values as feet and fractional inches using familiar architectural notation.

US Standard values can be entered directly using common imperial shorthand.

Lock

Locks an individual dimension while other dimensions are adjusted.

This helps preserve a specific measurement when changing the remaining axes.

Supported Objects

Compare Units supports measurable 3ds Max scene objects, including:

• Standard geometry
• Editable Poly and Editable Mesh objects
• Two-dimensional splines
• Parametric primitives
• Modifier-based geometry
• Supported third-party proxy objects
• Instanced and referenced objects

XRef objects are excluded because their source geometry is read-only.

Typical Workflow

1. Select an object in the scene.
2. Open Compare Units.
3. Choose Dimensions, Move or Scale.
4. Review the Metric and US Standard values.
5. Enter a new value in the preferred measurement system.
6. Press Enter to commit the change.

The corresponding object or modifier value is updated immediately.

Use standard 3ds Max Undo to recover a previous value.

Troubleshooting

No measurements are displayed

Ensure a measurable object is selected.

XRef objects are intentionally excluded because their source geometry cannot be edited.

A dimension is not displayed

Two-dimensional splines display Length and Width only. Height becomes available when the evaluated object is three-dimensional.

The tool is disabled

Ensure you are logged into the SiNi Desipher Licence Manager and have a valid licence.

I entered an incorrect value

Use standard 3ds Max Undo to recover the previous transformation or dimension.