Itoo Forest Pack

Itoo Forest Pack is a comprehensive solution for enabling designers, environment artists, and game developers to easily gain access to a complete solution for the creation of forest and natural environments.



This plugin for Autodesk 3ds Max and 3ds Max Design enables access not only to the large library of trees and plant models but also to custom tools designed from the ground up to enable easier deployment of trees and plant models inside your creations.

This includes tools for scattering an unlimited amount of proxies, high-poly meshes, or billboards, enabling you to dramatically streamline your workflow while handling the deployment of plant life into your 3D creations, even if your end goal is to distribute a virtually unlimited number of objects and polygons.



Available in both Lite and Pro versions, Forest Pack - 3D Model Library represents the best and most popular object scattering plugin for 3DS Max, enabling you to not only scatter high-quality tree, plant life, and ground cover models, but also all types of models (buildings, objects, crowds, etc.) that you project demands to use to populate the environment.

Highlights

• World's most popular scattering tool for 3ds Max.
• Standalone complete solution creating 3D scenes involving the unlimited scattering of objects and polygons.
• Advanced deployment and rendering algorithms that don’t put additional strain on computer resources.
• Tools for natural simulation of lifelike patterns.
• Access to a large library of trees, plant life objects, and presets.
• Native support for all popular render engines.
• Premium access to 1:1 fast response support, both in chat and email.
• Seamless integration with many leading 3rd party libraries and apps.
• Also available as a FREE app with limited tools/services access.

Key Features

• Scattering: Forest Pack's core functionality revolves around its ability to scatter millions of objects across surfaces. Whether it's trees, plants, buildings, or any other geometry, the plugin manages these resources efficiently.
• Library of Presets: It comes with an extensive library of preset models, including various types of trees, shrubs, ground covers, and rocks, which can be customized to suit specific project needs.
• Parametric Areas: Users can define areas using splines or paint areas directly onto the surface to control where objects are scattered. This feature allows for precise placement and manipulation of objects.
• Animation: The plugin supports animated objects, making it possible to create moving environments, such as a field of swaying grass or a forest with rustling leaves.
• LOD (Level of Detail): To optimize rendering performance, it includes LOD features that adjust the complexity of objects based on their distance from the camera.
• Integration with Other Plugins: It integrates seamlessly with other popular plugins like V-Ray, Corona Renderer, and Arnold, ensuring compatibility across various workflows.
• Custom Object Support: Users can import custom models into the library, allowing for a high degree of customization and flexibility.
• Edge Mode: This feature prevents objects from overlapping the edges of scattering areas, providing a clean and professional look.
• Cluster and Color Variation: It allows for the creation of clusters of objects and variations in color, enhancing the natural appearance of scattered objects.
• Forest Color Map: This advanced feature allows users to blend and mix colors within the scattered objects, contributing to more realistic and vibrant scenes.

What's new in version 9

• Distribution Map now supports any mapping channel, not just Channel 1, for better surface mapping flexibility.
• "Randomize Stacked" now in Areas rollout, supports stacked splines/surfaces and works with "Separate Sub-splines" for varied distributions.
• New option converts Geometry List items into ForestSet objects for easier workflow integration.
• UI rollouts reorganized for a more intuitive layout with key features grouped together.
• Point-Cloud mode uses fixed point density and updates GPU only when the object changes, improving performance.
• Library Browser enhancements include faster thumbnail loading/resizing, better multi-item performance, and new icons.
• V-Ray proxy edge mode improved; requires full mesh preview and up-to-date V-Ray version.
• Memory usage optimized during rendering by capping animated sample storage at 10GB, reducing crashes in long renders.
• Camera clipping improved with better handling of Display Max Items, enhancing viewport stability and performance.

Built with scalability and evolution in mind, Itoo Forest Pack provides its users access to an ever-growing library of objects. This has made this plugin one of the most essential tools in countless 3D modeling studios from all around the world.

They rely on this plugin because it allows them to iterate on their work daily, with quick deployment of new ideas, rendering scenes with virtually unlimited numbers of objects and polygons, and production-tested rendering algorithms that don’t put the strain on computer resources.

To better facilitate deployment in various 3D applications, the app is also natively compatible with many of the most popular game rendering engines, 3ds Max 2012 – 2025, Maya, and Arnold.

A free version of the tool can be used commercially, but it places limits on the number of library objects used, and the use of its scattering tools, and removes access to various advanced features. Premium ForestPack PRO removes all those restrictions and unlocks access to many advanced services.

User Interface

• Library Browser: Easily navigate through the extensive library of presets and custom models.
• Parameter Rollouts: Adjust settings such as density, distribution, scale, rotation, and transformation from the parameter rollouts, making it simple to control the scattering process.
• Scatter Editor: Provides tools for painting and editing scatter areas directly in the viewport.
• Material Editor Integration: Seamlessly integrates with the material editor for easy application of textures and materials to scattered objects.

Installation and Setup

To enable easier deployment to your work PC, developers of Itoo Forest Pack have customized their installer to be as small as possible. With just over 50MB in size, you can quickly download and install it by simply following the on-screen instructions.

During the most crucial part of the installation, the app will detect the 3D modeling app present on your Windows 11 or Windows 10 and integrate itself into it. The core support is centered on 3ds Max 2012 – 2025.
 
Itoo ForestPack will not impact the system resources of your PC, enabling all the users of 3DS Max and other supported apps to take full advantage of this popular plugin.

How to Use

• Create a Scatter Object: In 3ds Max, create a new object by selecting it from the "Create" panel.
• Choose a Surface: Select the surface where you want to scatter objects.
• Add Objects: Use the library browser to add models to the scatter object.
• Adjust Parameters: Customize the distribution, density, scale, and rotation using the parameter rollouts.
• Define Areas: Use splines or paint areas to control where objects are scattered.
• Render: Integrate with your preferred rendering engine and render the scene.

FAQ

What types of objects can I scatter with Forest Pack?
You can scatter any type of geometry, including trees, plants, buildings, rocks, and custom models.

Is Forest Pack compatible with all versions of 3ds Max?
Forest Pack is compatible with 3ds Max 2014 and above.

Can I use Forest Pack with V-Ray and Corona Renderer?
Yes, it integrates seamlessly with V-Ray, Corona Renderer, and other popular rendering engines.

How do I prevent objects from overlapping at the edges of scattering areas?
Use the Edge Mode feature to prevent objects from overlapping the edges of scattering areas.

Can I animate objects scattered with Forest Pack?
Yes, it supports animated objects, allowing for dynamic and moving environments.

Pricing

Forest Pack LITE - FREE

• Scatter, ForestLOD, and ForestSet plugins are compatible with 3ds Max with some feature limitations.
• Native support for most popular rendering engines.
• Library browser with a sample library of 3d models and presets. 

Forest Pack PRO - 250€/year

• Scatter, ForestLOD, and ForestSet plugins are compatible with 3ds Max with NO limitations.
• ForestIvy, our latest plugin for creating climbing plants.
• Native support for most popular rendering engines.
• Customisable library browser with a comprehensive library of over 430 models and presets.
• Includes a one-year extendable Maintenance Plan with prioritized technical support, early access to beta versions, and regular updates.
• Perpetual license. 

System Requirements

• Operating System: Windows 7, 8, 10, 11 (64-bit)
• 3ds Max Version: 2014 and above
• Processor: Intel or AMD multi-core processor
• RAM: 4 GB (8 GB or more recommended)
• Graphics Card: DirectX 9 compatible graphics card

PROS

• Powerful and efficient scattering capabilities
• Extensive library of presets and custom model support
• Seamless integration with major rendering engines
• Intuitive and user-friendly interface
• Supports animated objects and LOD features

CONS

• Steeper learning curve for beginners
• High price point for single and floating licenses

Note: Limited functionality in the demo version.