The new TREE STORM 5.6 plugin for 3DS Max8/7/6 is a breakthrough product, the latest upgrade of the original TREE STORM produced in 1998 - the first 4D modeler for trees ever developed. This plugin enables you to model trees created with broadleaf, conifer, and palm generators of TREE CLASSIC directly into the Max and animate the trees on the wind.

Key TREE STORM Features



Speed
Since TREE STORM 5.6 models trees directly into the scene. Thanks to the fact that no data files are generated, the modeling-in and positioning of trees on the scene fast.

Variabile modeling resolution and detail
Besides extremely fast modeling, TREE STORM enables you to choose the detail and resolution of a tree prior to actual modeling.

Also, once the tree is modeled in the scene, it takes just a moment to go back, adjust the detail and resolution of the tree, and remodel it again. You can even change this tree by adjusting its random seed, or replace it with another tree from the library.

Random variation
Once a tree has been positioned on the scene, you can change it by adjusting its random seed. Or, you can enable random variation prior to actual modeling and then proceed with the positioning.

Just start clicking the mouse in the top viewport and the trees are there - each slightly different from the previous one. This is ideal for building tree-lined streets and forests.

Color-per-vertex
The default material setting for trees is color-per-vertex. This allows you to create a tree with exactly the same colors as set in TREE CLASSIC. The colors you set will not only produce beautiful and highly realistic results but will save you quite a bit of rendering time. Therefore, you will not have much need to texture map trees.

The image to the right illustrates the kind of results you can get with the color-per-vertex. The colors are set in TREE CLASSIC, read by TREE STORM, and displayed as Max/Viz color-per-vertex materials.

UV mapping coordinates
If you still wish to use your own textures, you can do that too. Just check the UV for any class of tree elements and TREE STORM will deliver a tree with the UV coordinates enabling you to apply texture maps that will follow the direction of growth of each branch being mapped.

The trunk is custom texture mapped. The texture map follows the direction of trunk growth.

Natural leaves
If you wish to texture map a real leaf onto the leaf objects, just specify the number of leaf sub-objects, replace the leaves with the "plates", and check the UV.

TREE STORM will deliver a tree with the leaves grouped into the specified number of sub-objects. Each leaf will assume the form of a rectangular surface for easy texture mapping.

First replace the leaves with the "plates", check the UV, and texture map the leaves.

External objects instead of leaves
If you wish to replace the leaves with an external object of your choice, you can do that as well.

Just select the leaves from the specific sub object, select the object of your choice from the specific Max file, and OK the selection.

TREE STORM will remodel the same tree with the selected object being attached to leaf stems.

Select the leaves from the specific leaf sub-object and replace them with en external object of your choice.

Three preview modes
You can choose to preview a tree in the symbol or envelope form while you are positioning it on the scene and the camera will render it in full detail.

The symbol is the fastest and the most economic form of preview and the envelope gives you the mass and shape of fully detailed tree with the minimal number of polygons.

You can move these symbol and envelope trees around the scene in a fraction of time it would take you to move around the fully detailed tree. Extra useful time saver!

Symbol, envelope, and full detail preview in the viewport

Wind
If you wish to see a tree moving on the wind, set the wind speed, direction, turbulences, and gusts, activate the wind, and position the tree on the scene.

No manual work, just set the parameters and wait while Camera and TREE STORM compile all the frames for the animation. You have to see it to believe it! Truly impressive!!

Silver maple under light breeze.

System Requirements