PARALLAXFORGE 0.4 FOR 3DS MAX
Windows install and user guide
================================

WHAT THIS ZIP CONTAINS

ParallaxForge is a MAXScript tool for building one vertical quad with a V-Ray
OSL material that creates view-dependent parallax at render time. It is a
script package, not a Windows installer.

Keep these files together in one folder:
  ParallaxForge.ms       Main user interface and launcher
  PF_VRay.ms             V-Ray material and scene-building functions
  ParallaxForge.osl      Shader source template
  PF_DepthBridge.ms      Local depth-map handoff in 3ds Max
  PF_DepthBridge.cs      Source for the temporary local helper


REQUIREMENTS

- Windows and Autodesk 3ds Max 2019 or later.
- V-Ray 5 or later with OSL support. Select the V-Ray CPU renderer.
  V-Ray GPU/RT is not supported.
- A color photo and a matching grayscale depth map. White means nearer;
  black means farther. Their aspect ratios must match.
- Internet access for the browser companion and its depth-estimation model.
  Source photos are handled locally; they are not uploaded to the hosted
  service.
- The automatic Create map handoff requires the existing Windows .NET
  Framework C# compiler (csc.exe) and a desktop browser that permits local
  network access. The helper is compiled into a temporary folder when used.
  It installs no service, requires no administrator rights, and does not
  change Windows security policy.

These are the compatibility targets. V-Ray interfaces can vary by release;
inspect Compiler Diagnostics if a shader does not load or render.


INSTALL

1. Extract the complete ZIP to a permanent folder, for example:
   Documents\3ds Max\ParallaxForge
2. Do not separate or rename the five runtime files listed above.
3. Open 3ds Max and choose Scripting > Run Script.
4. Select ParallaxForge.ms from the extracted folder.

To reopen the tool later, run ParallaxForge.ms again. No plugin registration
or separate installer is required.


CREATE A PARALLAX PLANE

1. In Render Setup, select V-Ray CPU as the production renderer.
2. In Color Image, click Choose image and select the source photo.
3. In Depth Map, either:
   - click Create map, generate a map in the browser, then click
     Save PNG to Max; or
   - click Load map and choose an existing grayscale map.
4. Shader Output defaults to the color photo's folder (or the depth map's
   folder when no color path is available). Choose folder lets you select a
   different persistent project folder.
5. Click Build Parallax Plane.
6. Render with the generated camera and V-Ray CPU. Check the material's
   Compiler Diagnostics if the result is missing or incorrect.

The viewport is not a parallax-render preview. Use a V-Ray render to evaluate
the effect.


KEEP PROJECT FILES TOGETHER

The generated OSL shader, color photo, and depth map are separate files with
absolute paths. Keep them available alongside the .max scene and to any render
workers. Do not delete the generated shader after building.


TROUBLESHOOTING

- If Create map reports that the helper cannot be compiled, check whether
  Windows' .NET Framework compiler is installed and permitted by workstation
  policy. Alternatively, use the browser companion separately and load the
  exported map with Load map.
- If the browser asks for local network access, allow it for the companion.
  The local handoff uses 127.0.0.1 and stops when the Max panel closes or Max
  exits.
- If the material fails to load, confirm V-Ray CPU and OSL support are enabled,
  then inspect Material Editor > Compiler Diagnostics.
- If Max cannot find a shader or image later, restore that file at its original
  path or rebuild using files in their new location.

This tool creates a single photo facade. It does not reconstruct hidden room
geometry, fill occlusions, or support renderers other than V-Ray CPU.
