by miauu·Modeling
Images © miauu. Used for product review; image policy.
Stands out in the ScriptSpot library for the range of snapping options it brings to cutting geometry, with vertex, midpoint, angle, percentage and unit-based placement in a single tool.
miauu's Scalpel is a script for 3ds Max that lets you subdivide geometry interactively by drawing cut lines. Every cut has to originate from a vertex or an edge, and you can't create vertices inside faces.
The tool offers snapping modes. You can snap the cut point to the nearest vertex or to the midpoint of the nearest edge, each with Auto and Manual modes. Cuts can snap to a predefined angle, to a precise position along an edge in percentages (down to 0.5%), or to a position measured in system units (down to 0.01 units). Perpendicular cuts can run either perpendicular to the snapped edge or perpendicular to the edges the cut starts from, and the default QuickSlice can snap to predefined angles. A heads-up display shows the position as a percentage, the distance to either end of the cut edge, and the edge's total length, while tool options appear in the Prompt line. Snap Step and Snap Angle can be changed during a cut, and keyboard shortcuts cover exiting, changing the starting point, and toggling snap behaviours.
miauu's Scalpel works with Editable Poly objects and the Edit Poly modifier, and supports 3ds Max releases from 2017 through 2027.
miauu's Scalpel is best for 3ds Max artists who need precise, snap-driven cuts when subdividing Editable Poly and Edit Poly geometry.
miauu's Scalpel is completely free to download and use.
miauu's Scalpel supports Autodesk 3ds Max and 3ds Max Design across releases 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026 and 2027. It works with Editable Poly objects and the Edit Poly modifier, so the cutting tools apply whether your geometry is a converted poly object or driven by a modifier in the stack. If you run any version in that range, the script is built to match it. For the current build and any details specific to your release, the developer's page is the place to check.
miauu's Scalpel works with both Editable Poly objects and the Edit Poly modifier. Cuts subdivide geometry by drawing lines, and every cut has to originate from a vertex or an edge, so you can't create new vertices inside faces. That constraint keeps cuts anchored to existing topology. One known behaviour to keep in mind: the mouse cursor must be over the object you are cutting when you click, otherwise the clicks won't be detected. This applies whether you are working on an Editable Poly object or through the Edit Poly modifier.
miauu's Scalpel can place a cut point along an edge's length in two ways. You can set the location as a percentage of the edge's length, down to a smallest step of 0.5%, or measure it in system units, down to a smallest value of 0.01 units. Beyond that, you can snap to the nearest vertex, to the midpoint of the nearest edge, or to a predefined angle. The Snap Step and Snap Angle values can both be changed while you are making the cut.
miauu's Scalpel is driven largely by keyboard shortcuts while you cut. ESC, W, E and R exit Scalpel, D changes the starting point, and N toggles snapping with increments, overriding the ALT key. S switches between snapping in percentages and snapping in units, A toggles Angle Snap, and C cycles through the possible reference edges for Angle Snap. Q turns on Quick Slice. One thing to note: during a cut, the Snap Step can only be changed using the spinner's arrows.
miauu's Scalpel is listed as free here. The developer describes it as a commercial script, so for current pricing and licensing you should confirm the terms on the developer's page at miauu-maxscript.com before relying on it. Regardless of how it is distributed, the tool's snapping modes, perpendicular cut options, QuickSlice and heads-up display are all part of what it offers. The developer's link carries the most up-to-date information on how the script is licensed and made available.
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