To test it, you can set the ADSK_APPLICATION_PLUGINS environment variable to the root folder of your plug-in package. Place the PackageContents.xml file in the root folder of your plug-in package. Besides the main binary, or script that represents your plug-in, it may have additional binary dependencies, macro scripts, icons, help file, etc. Create the physical layout of your plug-in consisting in all the files and folders that it needs.See the detailed description below and the Autodesk Application Plug-in Package Format Specification topic. Create an xml file named PackageContents.xml that describes your plug-in's components.Setting up a plug-in package is straight-forward. 3ds Max scans the ApplicationPlugins folders and loads all applicable plug-ins. Plug-ins using the package format can be installed without having to know the location where 3ds Max is installed, and their installers can simply copy the plug-in package into one of ApplicationPlugins folders described below in 'Install Locations'. Deploying plug-ins in this format, makes it easier to target multiple operating systems and product releases since the parameters of your plug-in are defined in the XML file of the package. Plug-ins can be packaged using the Autodesk Application Plug-in Package format, which makes it easy to distribute them on the Autodesk App Store, and simplifies plug-in development and installation in 3ds Max.Ī plug-in package, or bundle, consists of a folder structure containing all files related to the plug-in, and an XML file that defines the various components of the plug-in.

Autodesk plugin