Chaos Scatter

This page provides an overview of the Chaos Scatter functionalities in V-Ray for 3ds Max.

Overview

The Chaos Scatter tool is a powerful feature that allows you to create object instances based on the surfaces and edges of existing objects or splines. By using these surfaces, the tool can generate a variety of points where new instances can be placed, giving you high control over how objects are distributed and arranged in a scene. This functionality makes it easy to create complex, natural-looking layouts, whether for vegetation, scattered objects, or intricate designs. Adjust parameters to customize instance density, orientation, and scale, enhancing creativity and efficiency in the design process.

UI Paths

Scatter FAQ

www.youtube.com

Loading Chaos Scatter files from an arbitrary location

To load Chaos Scatter files from a non-default location, follow the steps below:

1. Install V-Ray for the respective 3ds Max version you use.
2. Copy the "C:\Program Files\Chaos\Scatter" folder to the file server, e.g. \\fileserver\Scatter.
3. Copy all files from the ChaosScatter3dsMax20## folder which resides by default in "C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\ApplicationPlugins\ChaosScatter3dsMax20##" to the file server, e.g. \\fileserver\Scatter\3ds Max 20##. Replace the 20## with your 3ds Max version.
4. Then, uninstall V-Ray.
5. Set the following environment variable (you can use .bat file or system/user environment variables). Pay attention to the version of 3ds Max in both environment variable name and value - they should be the same:"CHAOSSCATTER_3DSMAX_20##_LOAD_PATH=\\fileserver\Scatter\3ds Max 20##"
6. Launch 3ds Max and from the Customize menu select Configure User and System Paths.
7. From 3rd Party Plug-Ins click Add and browse the path where ChaosScatterMax20##.dlt file is copied, e.g. \\fileserver\Scatter\3ds Max 20##\ChaosScatterMax2023.dlt.
8. Close 3ds Max and reopen it, Chaos Scatter plugin should be loaded and ready for usage.

Parameters

Each Chaos Scatter rollout has its own dedicated page listed below:

Notes

• V-Ray follows 3ds Max’s conventions for right-click actions on parameter spinners. Right-clicking a parameter spinner sets its value to the minimum allowed. Ctrl + right-click resets the value to its default. Right-clicking a parameter value opens a dropdown menu with an option to reset it to the default.
• The Chaos Scatter geometry and the Chaos Scatter Surface Color texture are not available in versions earlier than V-Ray 6.