by Alaa alnahlawi·Workflow
Images © Alaa alnahlawi. Used for product review; image policy.
Measurement tape stands out in the scriptspot library as a distance helper that relies on text and a stretching tape driven by a float script controller rather than a pure script.
Measurement tape is a 3ds Max tool for visualizing the distance between two points, aimed at people working in architecture. Rather than a pure script, it combines text with a tape that stretches to reflect the distance, driven by a float script controller.
You work with it by merging the tape into your scene and moving the right and left handles, which are dummies, to set the two points being measured. The middle controller handles rotating and scaling the number and the arrows. Distance is reported in system units, so your display units should match your system units, which you can check in the Customize menu under Units Setup.
One thing to keep in mind: applying extrude to the text stops the distance from updating. The developer suggests placing the tape first and adding extrude as a final touch once the measurement is set. The tool is compatible with 3ds Max 2013 and above.
Measurement tape is best for architecture work that calls for visualizing the distance between two points inside 3ds Max.
Measurement tape is completely free to download and use.
Measurement tape is compatible with 3ds Max 2013 and above, so the 2013 release and later versions are covered. It comes as a downloadable archive, measurement_tape_2013.zip, that you merge into your scene rather than install as a standalone script. It isn't a pure script; instead a float script controller drives the text and tape stretching that reflect the distance. For the latest compatibility details, check the developer's page at vfxarabia.co, where Alaa Al Nahlawi shares the tool.
Measurement tape stops updating the distance if you apply extrude to the text, a behaviour noted by the developer. The recommended approach is to place and set up the tape first, then apply extrude as a final touch once the measurement is complete. That way the number reflects the correct distance before you add the extruded look, and you avoid the readout freezing on an outdated value while you finish the setup.
Measurement tape reports distance in system units, so your display units should match your system units to avoid confusion. You can check and align them through the Customize menu under Units Setup in 3ds Max before you start measuring. If the numbers look off, mismatched display and system units are the likely cause. Setting them to match keeps the readout consistent with what you expect across your scene as you work.
Measurement tape is listed as free here in our catalog. It arrives as a downloadable archive, measurement_tape_2013.zip, that you merge into your 3ds Max scene. For current licensing terms and any usage conditions, check the developer's page at vfxarabia.co, where Alaa Al Nahlawi shares the tool. Licensing can change over time, so the developer's page is the best place to confirm the latest details before you use it in a project.
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