Explode Edit Mesh by Object

[denham]

Im tyring to explode an onyx tree (leaves) by object so that I can replace the leaves w/ 3D buds, for a redbud tree. You cannot do this in Onyx itself. The leaves are a seperate object, but are all grouped together. Can someone tell me how I can explode all the leaves into seperate entities? I'm then going to run blurscript on them to replace all the leaves w/ the buds.

Thanks in advance.

[Scott Schroeder]

You can replace the onyx leaf with another 3d file inside onyx (in max) itself. You can separate the leaf out in the adjustments menu, then it'll give you an option to replace with geometry from another file. Be care though, sometimes they'll all come in at a perfect 90 degree angle. Onyx can be a bit fickle.

 

You can also replace the leaves outside of Onyx. You select your mesh ball of leaves, and find the explode tab. Set it to at least 180 degrees, this will ensure a decent explosion. Explode, wait a while depending on how complex this is. Now you should have each leaf as a separate mesh.

 

Be very careful with this, Onyx is even more fickle when you try to remove it's leaves. Sometimes you have to work in 3 different files, then merge everything back together. Expect many crashes.