Display Normals Tool

Description

Display Normals Tool displays temporary normal preview lines for selected geometry in the 3ds Max viewport.

Use it to inspect normal direction, check geometry orientation, and troubleshoot display or shading issues.

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

ZIP Package Contents

• MacroScript .MZP
• Documentation

Installing the MacroScript Version

1. Extract the ZIP file.
2. There are two options to install MacroScript .MZP files.
   – Drag and Drop the MacroScript .MZP file into a 3ds Max viewport.
   – Run the Script from the Command Panel; Utilities/MAXScript/Run Script.
3. Open Customise → Customise User Interface.
4. Select the Sinilab_Scripts category.
5. Drag the tool onto a toolbar, quad menu or menu.

MacroScript Controls

Single-Click the toolbar icon to apply the default setting.
Shift-Click the toolbar icon to open the UI and make adjustments. The settings will be saved as the default.

Rollout Reference

Displays viewport normal previews for selected geometry.

Normal Size %

Adjusts the length of the displayed normal preview lines.

Show / Rebuild Normals

Creates or rebuilds the normal preview display using the current size value.

Clear

Removes all generated normal preview lines from the viewport.

Norm. Display

Shows the viewport colour coding used for the normal axes:

• X = Red
• Y = Green
• Z = Blue

Typical Workflows

Visualise Surface Normals

1. Select one or more objects.
2. Adjust the Normal Size % value if required.
3. Click Show / Rebuild Normals.
4. Inspect the normal directions in the viewport.
5. Click Clear when finished.

Troubleshooting

No normals are displayed

Ensure valid geometry is selected before clicking Show / Rebuild Normals.

Normal lines are too small or too large

Adjust the Normal Size % value and click Show / Rebuild Normals again.

Tool reports a licence error

Verify that you are signed into the SiNi Desipher Licence Manager and that a valid licence is active.