Nag All V.3.1 updates: how 3D artists can preserve “project HP”

Organization. Order. Systematic approach. The absence of chaos, and, consequently, the stress that often pulls 3D artists out of their creative process. The list of synonyms for these words could go on forever. This was all true until the release of the Nag All plugin updates!

This software essentially takes a broom and dustpan to search for improperly set paths or poorly automated 3Ds Max library resources. In other words, it cuts through the thick underbrush of unlabeled files (many of which don’t even show a preview image) and guarantees that, in the end, the visualizer will stumble upon the much-needed, reassuring extension where the stone texture for an exterior scene will be “safely stored”.

This exciting news not only inspired us to share the new features of this particular software, but also to reflect on other solutions available in the 3D market that help streamline professionals’ workflows. It’s truly amazing that in today’s age of technological progress, we can shift from the parallel “reporting” tasks to immersive, all-consuming creativity – completely submerged in it without worrying about data loss. Isn’t that right?

Sorting and saving: the essence of the Nag All script

Around four years ago, the first “raw” demo of the Nag All program was released, a tool that instantly organizes the workflow for those who know about it, with just a blink of the eye. The software is rather unremarkable until a small addition to the title appears, marking the release of a new version. To grasp the scale of the current update, it’s worth introducing the product to those encountering it for the first time!

Accessibility is the key quality of this seemingly simple program. The demand for it likely existed in every 3D visualization studio or was casually mentioned by freelancers – after the release of such a simple yet ingenious idea, you can’t help but wish you were the one who came up with it. The essence of Nag All is as clear as daylight: to optimize the workflow of a 3D artist, directing hundreds of hours of saved time towards solving more complex tasks (instead of the tedious routine of manually renaming each file, for example).

From the outset, Nag All supports all file types (both archived – compressed and “unpacked” – extracted). Furthermore, the renaming function works seamlessly for all these documents, ensuring the technical pair “name-preview image” does not cause any issues (except for textures, which retain their original names to avoid re-linking). And that’s not all – the tool also ensures you don’t lose information about the release year or the rendering engine version used for creating the 3D scene!

Moreover, a strict system of file sorting by folders (which can be customized according to your needs) eliminates any risks of losing necessary materials or effects. By default, the program creates copies of the 3D library’s original files, initial texture files, renamed files with any extensions, and system documents that often end up in the trash…

How can you work with these neatly organized files? There are two ways: either by manually dragging them into the digital “canvas” of 3Ds Max or by using the Project Manager and Connecter tools.

The main data safeguard – path preservation

The set of features presented in Nag All, which has evolved to its current form, already seems excellent enough to handle the “sticky” tasks at hand. However, the creators of the software have a different view, constantly working to improve its algorithms. So, what have they prepared that’s “fresh” and relevant?

First of all, it’s now possible to “recall” previously set paths, making access to necessary materials significantly faster (and these paths are saved even after the program is closed!). Everything frequently used in a project will literally be at your fingertips for quick re-modeling.

The 3.1 version of the script also includes expanded control elements: from fully resetting settings to temporarily pausing the “sorting” process, which can be done in real-time (all you need is to click the “Resume” or “Stop Controls” button).

Linking preview images with their files has become even easier, as has finding that one specific file in an ocean of work! By the way, the software effectively clears the “memory”, removing backup versions, so you can finally forget about a warehouse of duplicate filenames that almost open the gates to hell.

A nice bonus in version 3.1 is the seamless integration of new resources into the already finely tuned ecosystem of the library, along with compatibility with the Nag In plugin.

Responding to market challenges

3Ds Max, along with its third-party tools, continues to amaze! And this is despite the emerging trend in architectural visualization, where game engines (such as Unreal Engine) are being adapted to meet the needs of visualizers. The good old software continues to remind us of its presence, offering excellent solutions that match the rapid pace of technological development in general.

This is why we are excited about any plugins or scripts that appear, even in their raw form, on the architectural visualization scene, as they aim to create the most comfortable working environment in the digital space. It demonstrates the concern (or even anxiety) of the developers of these “newcomers” about the growing competition, which, in the field of 3D visualization, is the primary driver of progress.

Despite the fact that only the updates of Nag All, which took center stage in the text, have come into our view, there are many other utilities on the market that make life easier for 3D professionals. Here’s a small selection of options:

1. Scene Manager  

A real breath of fresh air for those who “build” homes that make up entire residential complexes in renders. By its nature, the modular system comes with pre-configured combinations (called “steroids”) that determine the state of each scene. The scene always contains data about lighting settings, textures, and cameras, all of which can be adjusted to create a new visual result.

 2. Asset Browser

Asset Browser, built into 3Ds Max, is designed for managing resource libraries, ranging from presets to various models. These resources are organized into types and subcategories, making it easier to find the right file when needed. Nothing too extraordinary, but highly practical!

3. File Path Finder

Just as some websites use algorithms expressed in “breadcrumb” navigation to protect you from getting lost in the vastness of Web 3.0, this utility ensures everything stays in its rightful place. With it, no elements will be lost along the way!

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