SuperHelix is one of the most versatile plugins for 3ds Max, designed to simplify the creation of complex helix-based shapes and procedural structures. To help you maximize its potential, we’ve compiled a series of five video tutorials that cover everything from quick-start basics to advanced practical examples.

Mastering the Gizmo to Shape Custom Helical Splines

Discover how to manipulate the SuperHelix gizmo in 3ds Max to craft various helical shapes and volumes. The gizmo in SuperHelix is an essential tool that offers a live preview of complex helix splines, letting you control everything from the overall flow to individual sections’ size and torsion. Learn to use the Root Helper, Main Path, and Section Controls to create custom helix designs perfect for Motion Graphics, 3D modeling, and animation paths.

Understanding the UI and Key Parameters for Helix Creation

Get a complete overview of the SuperHelix plugin UI in 3ds Max, exploring each parameter to create complex, custom helical splines. Learn how to use presets, manage gizmos, control helix turns and resolution, and apply custom paths. This detailed guide shows how each UI feature works, from setting the curve type to adjusting rotation, adding noise, and even cloning helixes around your chosen path.

Exploring Presets to Create Helical Objects

Explore the presets included in the SuperHelix plugin for 3ds Max to create unique helical spline objects. From springs and cartoon tornadoes to intricate shapes like a ball of wool and a Chinese pagoda, these presets offer an excellent starting point to master SuperHelix. Learn how each preset utilizes different parameters and gizmo structures to achieve specific effects, and see how easy it is to create complex, organic, or geometric shapes with just a few adjustments.

Create a Woven Wicker Basket using Presets

Learn how to create a realistic woven wicker basket using spline curves. Use SuperHelix presets to set up the basis of a basket model entirely made of spline curves. Adjuste the general shapes and gizmos to form the different parts of the basket. Learn tips for creating multiple helical splines aligned radially.

Create Helical Spline Animations Easily

Learn how to create stunning helical spline animations in seconds with SuperHelix. Set the time range and the animation easing and voilá!

Note: If you are interested in making complex spline animations while having detailed control over every aspect and parameter from a user-friendly, centralized interface, see TurboSplines plugin.

You can also find more video tutorials on our Youtube channel.

Welcome to SuperHelix, an Autodesk 3ds Max plugin for creating impressive custom helical splines for 3D modeling and animation!

 

INSTALLATION

• 1. Drag the “.mzp” file onto one of your viewports in 3ds Max . The plugin automatically installs itself.
• 2. To add the plugin to a toolbar, go to the Menu > Customize > Customize user interface…
• 3. Go to the “Toolbars” tab and pick the category “Spline Dynamics”.
• 4. The plugin’s name “SuperHelix” must be listed there. Just drag it onto a toolbar and you’re done!

 

START: PRESETS & THE GIZMO

Fortunately, Superhelix comes with a set of various presets wich make your life easier. They will help you understand how the tool works and to experiment its power in a matter of minutes.

For starting, there are 3 main controls you need to know. They are shown in the image on the left:

1. Presets list (at the top)
2. “Create Gizmo” (big button below presets)
3. “Make Helix” (big button at the bottom)

The plugin comes with 7 default presets. They show you a panorama of different things you can achieve with this plugin. Every preset defines specific values for each of the plugin parameters.

-> Try selecting different presets and look how parameters change interactively.

-> Now set back the first preset “Basic Spring” and press “CREATE GIZMO”.

A pop-up dialog appears, asking you to type a name for the Gizmo.

-> For now, just leave the default “NewGizmo” and click OK.

Instantly, a new Gizmo is created at the origin. But what’s a gizmo for SuperHelix plugin?
As you see, a gizmo consists of some helping objects: a root helper, a central spline and some circles (in this case, two). These objects are connected in a specific way so you can manipulate them and have a preview of the volume and shape of the final helix before making it.

-> Just press “MAKE HELIX” and see what happens.

A helix spline is created, according to volume of the gizmo. By default, the splines are created as renderable objects, but you can change that at the “Display / Options” rollout, at the bottom of the interface.

-> Delete the spline. Now, with the standard scale tool, scale down the top circle and then press “MAKE HELIX” again.

The spline now should look like a cone.

-> Delete the spline and try rotating the top circle about 45 degrees in x or y axis.

At this point i think you get the point, right?

You can move, rotate or scale the circles (wich are called sections), edit the central spline (called main path) or manipulate the root helper to move, rotate or scale the whole gizmo.

-> Play around with the gizmo and try different setups.

-> When you have played enough, delete the gizmo. (You will get a warning message. Just confirm the deletion)

-> Then, move on to the other presets and try one by one, modifiying the gizmos. You will discover many interesting things SuperHelix can do.

 

FINAL WORDS

Just one important note to finish:

Each of the default presets comes with a singular predefined gizmo, but that’s just a shortcut. You can start with the Basic Spring preset and achieve any shape you want for the gizmo to create unique and amazing super-helices. As they say, the limit is your imagination! 🙂

Enjoy the tool, practice and come back for more! We have other tutorials and an image gallery waiting for you!

Cheers!