Multi-Object Look At

Technical Requirements

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Description

Multi-Object LookAt creates distance-driven LookAt relationships between source objects and helper targets.

Objects can respond with different strengths depending on their proximity to a target. This allows large groups of objects to react naturally without requiring manual setup on every object.

The tool supports multiple targets, live previews, influence visualisation and baking workflows.

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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.

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Installation

ZIP Package Contents

• MacroScript Version
• 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.

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Rollout Reference

Source Objects

Adds and manages the objects that will react to the target influence system.

Add
Adds the currently selected scene objects to the source list.

Remove
Removes selected entries from the source list.

Clear List
Removes all source objects from the setup.

All / None
Selects or clears the current source list selection.

Box Mode Source List
Displays source objects as boxes to improve viewport performance.

Targets Influence

Creates helper targets and controls how influence is distributed across source objects.

Preview Influence
Displays influence regions and object response directly in the viewport.

Add
Adds selected scene objects as helper targets.

Remove
Removes selected helper targets.

Reset Influence
Returns the selected target to live mode after applying or reapplying influence.

Clear List
Removes all helper targets and restores source objects.

Near
Defines the minimum distance where influence begins.

Far
Defines the maximum distance where influence ends.

Lock Z Rotation
Keeps source objects upright by restricting rotation to the Z axis.

Influence %
Controls the influence strength assigned to each distance band.

• Green — Strongest influence.
• Yellow — High influence.
• Orange — Medium influence.
• Red — Lowest influence.
• Overlapping — Randomised influence when targets overlap.

Follow Axis
Defines which local object axis follows the target.

• X
• Y
• Reverse

Apply All
Applies the active influence setup to the source objects.

Bake All
Bakes all target assignments while keeping the resulting LookAt behaviour.

Reset Entire Setup

Reset All
Deletes all targets, clears source objects, removes guides and restores the tool to its default state.

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Typical Workflows

Create a Crowd Looking Towards Multiple Points of Interest

1. Select the crowd objects.
2. Click Add in Source Objects.
3. Create or select helper targets.
4. Click Add in Targets Influence.
5. Adjust Near and Far influence distances.
6. Enable Preview Influence.
7. Adjust influence percentages if required.
8. Click Apply All.

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Troubleshooting

Q: Objects are not rotating towards targets.
A: Verify that source objects and helper targets have been added before clicking Apply All.

Q: Objects are tilting unexpectedly.
A: Enable Lock Z Rotation to keep objects upright.

Q: Viewport performance becomes slow.
A: Enable Box Mode Source List when working with large object counts.

Q: Influence preview is not visible.
A: Enable Preview Influence and ensure helper targets are present in the target list.

Q: How do I reset the objects if I delete the look-at helpers.
A: Open the script, select the objects you want to reset, click the Reset All button.