MaxExec

MaxExec – MaxScript Development in VS Code
Write and run MaxScript code directly from Visual Studio Code. This extension adds syntax highlighting, handy snippets, and the ability to send scripts straight to a running 3ds Max instance.

Get it on the VS Code Marketplace

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Features

• 3ds Max Instance Detection
  Automatically finds running 3ds Max instances so you can send scripts without manual setup.

• Send Scripts to Max
  Send entire files or selected code directly to your chosen 3ds Max session.

• Syntax Highlighting & Snippets
  Supports .ms and .mcr files, with useful snippets for functions, rollouts, structs, loops, and conditionals.

• Code Folding Markers
  Supports region-based folding with MaxScript comments using -- region / -- endregion (also supports -- #region / -- #endregion).

• Hover Docs from Snippets
  Shows quick hover info for known MaxScript symbols based on the curated snippet descriptions.

• Region Diagnostics
  Warns when region / endregion markers are unmatched.

• File Icons
  Adds icons for MaxScript-related file types for easier file browsing.

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Commands

Command	Description
MaxExec: Select 3ds Max Instance	Choose which running 3ds Max instance to target
MaxExec: Send Full File to 3ds Max	Sends the entire current file
MaxExec: Send Selection to 3ds Max	Sends only the selected code or current line

Keybindings

Shortcut	Action
Ctrl+Shift+E	Send full file
Ctrl+Shift+S	Send selection or current line
Ctrl+Alt+E	Select 3ds Max instance

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Snippets

Quickly insert common MaxScript structures:

• Conditionals: if, ifelse, ifdo
• Loops: while, for, foreach
• Definitions: fn, struct, rollout
• Switches: case

Activate these snippets in files set to MaxScript mode.

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Folding Regions

You can create manual foldable regions using comment markers:

-- region Utilities
fn myHelper value =
(
  value * 2
)
-- endregion

Also supported:

-- #region UI
rollout r "Demo" ()
-- #endregion

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Requirements

• Autodesk 3ds Max must be running.
• The included maxexec-messanger.exe tool is required to communicate with Max.

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Installation

1. Clone or download this extension.
2. Run npm install and npm run build.
3. Launch VS Code in Extension Development Host mode.
4. Open a .ms or .mcr file and start coding.

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Troubleshooting

• No 3ds Max instances found: Make sure Max is running and not blocked by firewall or permissions.
• Script didn't execute: The selected Max instance may have closed—reselect it using MaxExec: Select 3ds Max Instance.

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License

MIT

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