Matrix Grid with Procedural Scaling

2023-11-29 10:47 UTC gpt-4 Open in ChatGPT ↗

Creating a matrix grid in Cinema 4D where the scale of the clones adjusts procedurally to match the grid resolution is an interesting challenge. Here’s a step-by-step guide to achieve this:

1. Create a Matrix Object

Open Cinema 4D.
Go to the MoGraph menu and select Matrix.
This will create a matrix grid which you can adjust according to your needs.

2. Adjust the Grid Size and Resolution

Select the Matrix object in the Object Manager.
In the Attributes Manager, go to the Object tab.
Set the Mode to Grid Array.
Adjust the Count values (X, Y, Z) to change the resolution of your grid.
Adjust the Size values (X, Y, Z) to change the overall size of your grid.

3. Add a Formula or Xpresso to Control Scale

To make the scale of clones change procedurally, you can use either a Formula or Xpresso setup.
For a Formula: You might use a formula that inversely relates the scale of the clones to the grid resolution. For example, if the resolution increases, the scale of each clone decreases.
For Xpresso: You’ll need to create an Xpresso tag (right-click on the Matrix object, Cinema 4D Tags → Xpresso).
In the Xpresso editor, create nodes that link the Count values of the Matrix to the Scale parameter, ensuring they inversely affect each other.

4. Xpresso Setup for Dynamic Scaling

Drag the Matrix object into the Xpresso editor to create a node.
Add nodes for input (Grid Count) and output (Clone Scale).
You may use a Math node to set up an inverse relationship between the Count and Scale. For example, you can divide a constant value by the Count to get the new scale.
Connect these nodes appropriately.

5. Test and Tweak

After setting up your Xpresso or Formula, adjust the grid resolution and observe the changes in clone scale.
You might need to tweak the formula or Xpresso setup to get the exact behavior you want.

6. Further Customization

You can add more complexity to this setup, like different scaling in different axes or conditional scaling based on certain criteria.
Experiment with different formulas or additional Xpresso nodes to achieve the desired effect.

This is a basic guide, and depending on your version of Cinema 4D or specific project requirements, you might need to adjust some steps. Experimentation is key in getting the perfect setup for your needs.

Yes, using a Python tag in Cinema 4D is a great way to achieve procedural control over the scale of Matrix clones based on the grid resolution. Here’s how you can do it:

Steps to Use a Python Tag for Dynamic Scaling:

1. Set Up the Matrix Object

Create a Matrix object as before.
Set it to Grid Array and adjust the Count and Size as needed.

2. Add a Python Tag

Right-click on the Matrix object in the Object Manager.
Go to Cinema 4D Tags and select Python.

3. Python Script to Adjust Scale

In the Python Tag, you’ll write a script to dynamically adjust the scale of the clones based on the grid resolution.

Here’s a basic script structure to get you started:

import c4d

def main():
    # Get the Matrix object
    matrix_obj = op.GetObject()

    # Get grid resolution (count)
    count_x = matrix_obj[c4d.MG_GRID_RESOLUTION_X]
    count_y = matrix_obj[c4d.MG_GRID_RESOLUTION_Y]
    count_z = matrix_obj[c4d.MG_GRID_RESOLUTION_Z]

    # Calculate new scale based on resolution
    # This formula can be adjusted as per requirements
    new_scale = 1 / (count_x * count_y * count_z) ** (1.0 / 3.0)

    # Update the scale of clones
    matrix_obj[c4d.MG_MATRIXOBJECT_SCALE] = c4d.Vector(new_scale, new_scale, new_scale)

# Execute main
if __name__=='__main__':
    main()

4. Customize the Script

The script provided is a starting point. You can customize the formula for calculating new_scale as per your specific needs.
The example script equally scales the clones in all directions. Modify the c4d.Vector values if you need different scaling in different axes.

5. Test Your Setup

After adding the script, change the grid resolution in the Matrix object.
The Python tag should automatically adjust the scale of the clones.
Test and tweak the script or the Matrix object settings to get your desired effect.

6. Advanced Customizations

If you’re familiar with Python and Cinema 4D’s API, you can expand this script with more complex logic, conditional scaling, or integrating other scene elements’ parameters.

7. Debugging

If the script doesn’t work as expected, check the Console in Cinema 4D for any error messages.
Ensure that your script is correctly referencing the parameters of the Matrix object.

Using a Python tag offers great flexibility and control, allowing for more complex behaviors and interactions within your Cinema 4D project.

It appears that the script encountered an error because MG_GRID_RESOLUTION_X, MG_GRID_RESOLUTION_Y, and MG_GRID_RESOLUTION_Z are not valid attributes in the Cinema 4D Python API. Instead, the correct approach is to use the attributes MG_MATRIX_GRID_COUNT_X, MG_MATRIX_GRID_COUNT_Y, and MG_MATRIX_GRID_COUNT_Z to access the grid count of the Matrix object.

Here’s an updated version of the script:

import c4d

def main():
    # Get the Matrix object
    matrix_obj = op.GetObject()

    # Check if the object is a Matrix
    if not matrix_obj or matrix_obj.GetType() != c4d.Omograph_matrix:
        return

    # Get grid resolution (count)
    count_x = matrix_obj[c4d.MG_MATRIX_GRID_COUNT_X]
    count_y = matrix_obj[c4d.MG_MATRIX_GRID_COUNT_Y]
    count_z = matrix_obj[c4d.MG_MATRIX_GRID_COUNT_Z]

    # Calculate new scale based on resolution
    # Adjust this formula as needed
    new_scale = 1 / max(count_x, count_y, count_z)

    # Update the scale of clones
    matrix_obj[c4d.MG_MATRIXOBJECT_SIZE] = c4d.Vector(new_scale, new_scale, new_scale)

    # Notify Cinema 4D of the update
    c4d.EventAdd()

# Execute main
if __name__=='__main__':
    main()

Make sure to replace the attributes correctly and adjust the formula for calculating the new_scale according to your needs. This script will set the scale of the clones inversely proportional to the highest count among the X, Y, and Z axes of the grid.

Also, it’s important to include a check to ensure that the object is indeed a Matrix object before trying to access its properties, to avoid errors. The call to c4d.EventAdd() at the end is used to notify Cinema 4D that an update has occurred, so it refreshes the view correctly.

I apologize for the confusion earlier. In Cinema 4D’s Python API, the correct way to check the type of an object is by using its unique ID, not by an attribute name. For a MoGraph Matrix object, the unique ID is 1018544. Let’s correct the script with this adjustment:

import c4d

def main():
    # Get the Matrix object
    matrix_obj = op.GetObject()

    # Check if the object is a Matrix
    if not matrix_obj or matrix_obj.GetType() != 1018544:  # Correct ID for Matrix object
        return

    # Get grid resolution (count)
    count_x = matrix_obj[c4d.MG_MATRIX_GRID_COUNT_X]
    count_y = matrix_obj[c4d.MG_MATRIX_GRID_COUNT_Y]
    count_z = matrix_obj[c4d.MG_MATRIX_GRID_COUNT_Z]

    # Calculate new scale based on resolution
    # Adjust this formula as needed
    new_scale = 1 / max(count_x, count_y, count_z)

    # Update the scale of clones
    matrix_obj[c4d.MG_MATRIXOBJECT_SIZE] = c4d.Vector(new_scale, new_scale, new_scale)

    # Notify Cinema 4D of the update
    c4d.EventAdd()

# Execute main
if __name__=='__main__':
    main()

This script should now correctly identify the Matrix object and adjust the scale of the clones based on the grid resolution. The new_scale calculation inversely relates the scale to the maximum grid count, which means as the grid count increases, the scale of each clone decreases. Adjust the formula as necessary for your specific requirements.

When you set the Matrix object to ‘Endpoints’ in Cinema 4D, it ensures that the overall size of the grid remains constant, regardless of the grid resolution. To scale the clones so that they adjust their size to fill the grid as the grid resolution changes, you’ll need to modify the Python script accordingly.

Here’s how you can achieve this:

Steps for the Python Script:

1. Calculate the Size of Each Cell

Since the total size of the grid remains constant, you need to calculate the size of each cell based on the grid resolution.
This can be done by dividing the total size of the grid by the grid resolution in each axis.

2. Update the Scale of Clones

The scale of each clone should be set to slightly less than the size of each cell to ensure they don’t overlap.
You may want to leave a small margin.

Updated Python Script:

import c4d

def main():
    # Get the Matrix object
    matrix_obj = op.GetObject()

    # Check if the object is a Matrix
    if not matrix_obj or matrix_obj.GetType() != 1018544:  # Correct ID for Matrix object
        return

    # Get grid resolution (count)
    count_x = matrix_obj[c4d.MG_MATRIX_GRID_COUNT_X]
    count_y = matrix_obj[c4d.MG_MATRIX_GRID_COUNT_Y]
    count_z = matrix_obj[c4d.MG_MATRIX_GRID_COUNT_Z]

    # Get the total size of the grid
    size_x = matrix_obj[c4d.MG_MATRIXOBJECT_SIZE].x
    size_y = matrix_obj[c4d.MG_MATRIXOBJECT_SIZE].y
    size_z = matrix_obj[c4d.MG_MATRIXOBJECT_SIZE].z

    # Calculate the size of each cell
    cell_size_x = size_x / max(1, count_x - 1)  # Avoid division by zero
    cell_size_y = size_y / max(1, count_y - 1)
    cell_size_z = size_z / max(1, count_z - 1)

    # Set the scale of clones to fill each cell (leaving a small margin)
    margin_factor = 0.9  # Adjust the margin as needed
    new_scale = c4d.Vector(cell_size_x * margin_factor, cell_size_y * margin_factor, cell_size_z * margin_factor)

    # Update the scale of clones
    matrix_obj[c4d.MG_MATRIXOBJECT_SIZE] = new_scale

    # Notify Cinema 4D of the update
    c4d.EventAdd()

# Execute main
if __name__=='__main__':
    main()

This script calculates the size of each cell based on the current grid resolution and the total size of the grid. It then adjusts the scale of the clones to fill these cells, taking into account a margin factor to prevent overlapping. You can adjust the margin_factor to control the spacing between clones.

Please test and tweak the script in your Cinema 4D environment to ensure it behaves as expected with your specific setup.

If the script is not affecting the Matrix object in Cinema 4D, there might be a few reasons for this. Let’s troubleshoot and ensure that everything is set up correctly:

1. Correct Object Type Verification

Ensure that you’re targeting the correct type of object. The ID 1018544 is specific to the MoGraph Matrix object. Double-check that your Matrix object is indeed a MoGraph Matrix.

2. Correct Attribute for Scale

In the script, we’re setting MG_MATRIXOBJECT_SIZE. Ensure that this is the correct attribute for setting the scale of the clones. If not, it should be replaced with the appropriate attribute.

3. EventAdd

Make sure the call to c4d.EventAdd() is included to update Cinema 4D about the changes.

4. Check for Errors

Open the Console in Cinema 4D (Window → Console) and check for any error messages when you execute the script.

5. Test the Script

Temporarily modify the script to print out values (like count_x, new_scale, etc.) to the console. This way, you can verify if the script is calculating the values correctly and reaching all parts of the code.

6. Script Execution

Ensure that the Python tag is correctly attached to the Matrix object and that the script is being executed. You might need to make a minor change or move the time slider to trigger the script execution.

7. Script Permissions

In some cases, script permissions or limitations in Cinema 4D might prevent the script from executing as expected. Check any relevant settings or preferences.

8. Software Version

Make sure that your version of Cinema 4D supports all the features and API calls used in the script.

9. Script Update

Lastly, here’s a slightly updated script that includes print statements for debugging:

import c4d

def main():
    matrix_obj = op.GetObject()
    if not matrix_obj or matrix_obj.GetType() != 1018544:
        print("Not a Matrix object")
        return

    count_x = matrix_obj[c4d.MG_MATRIX_GRID_COUNT_X]
    count_y = matrix_obj[c4d.MG_MATRIX_GRID_COUNT_Y]
    count_z = matrix_obj[c4d.MG_MATRIX_GRID_COUNT_Z]
    print(f"Counts: {count_x}, {count_y}, {count_z}")

    size_x = matrix_obj[c4d.MG_MATRIXOBJECT_SIZE].x
    size_y = matrix_obj[c4d.MG_MATRIXOBJECT_SIZE].y
    size_z = matrix_obj[c4d.MG_MATRIXOBJECT_SIZE].z
    print(f"Sizes: {size_x}, {size_y}, {size_z}")

    cell_size_x = size_x / max(1, count_x - 1)
    cell_size_y = size_y / max(1, count_y - 1)
    cell_size_z = size_z / max(1, count_z - 1)
    print(f"Cell Sizes: {cell_size_x}, {cell_size_y}, {cell_size_z}")

    margin_factor = 0.9
    new_scale = c4d.Vector(cell_size_x * margin_factor, cell_size_y * margin_factor, cell_size_z * margin_factor)
    print(f"New Scale: {new_scale}")

    matrix_obj[c4d.MG_MATRIXOBJECT_SIZE] = new_scale
    c4d.EventAdd()

if __name__=='__main__':
    main()

Run this script with the Console open and check the output. This can give you insights into where the script might be failing or if it’s calculating the values as expected.

The message “Not a Matrix object” indicates that the script is not recognizing the object it’s attached to as a MoGraph Matrix object. This could be due to an incorrect identification of the object type in the script. Let’s address this issue:

Steps to Resolve:

Verify Object Type ID:
- First, let’s confirm the type ID of the MoGraph Matrix object in your version of Cinema 4D. The ID 1018544 is generally correct for MoGraph Matrix objects, but this might vary between versions or due to specific configurations.

Debugging the Object Type:

Temporarily modify the script to print out the type ID of the object it’s attached to. This will help us confirm if we’re targeting the correct type.

Here’s a modified script for debugging:

import c4d

def main():
    matrix_obj = op.GetObject()
    if matrix_obj:
        print("Object Type ID:", matrix_obj.GetType())
    else:
        print("No object found")

if __name__=='__main__':
    main()

Run the Debug Script:
- Attach this Python tag to the Matrix object and see what type ID is printed in the Console. This will tell us the actual type ID of the object.
Update the Original Script:
- Once you have the correct type ID from the debugging script, replace 1018544 in the original script with this new ID.
Re-test the Script:
- After updating the type ID, re-attach the original script (with the correct type ID) to the Matrix object and test again.

This process should help identify the correct type ID for the MoGraph Matrix object in your specific version of Cinema 4D and ensure that the script interacts with the right object.

The information you’ve provided indicates that the correct type ID for your MoGraph Matrix object is 1018545. This differs from the previously assumed 1018544. With this new information, you can update the script to target the correct object type.

Updated Script:

import c4d

def main():
    matrix_obj = op.GetObject()

    # Check if the object is a Matrix, using the correct type ID
    if not matrix_obj or matrix_obj.GetType() != 1018545:
        print("Not a Matrix object")
        return

    # Rest of your script here
    # ...

    c4d.EventAdd()

if __name__=='__main__':
    main()

Replace the relevant part of your original script with this updated conditional check. This should ensure that the script correctly identifies and operates on the MoGraph Matrix object in your Cinema 4D environment. Once you have updated the script, run it again to see if it now affects the Matrix object as intended.

Certainly! I’ll write a complete script for you, incorporating the correct object type ID and the logic to adjust the scale of the Matrix clones based on the grid resolution, considering the grid is set to ‘Endpoints’. This script will calculate the scale of the clones so they fit the grid size as the resolution changes.

Complete Python Script for Cinema 4D:

import c4d

def main():
    matrix_obj = op.GetObject()

    # Check if the object is a Matrix, using the correct type ID
    if not matrix_obj or matrix_obj.GetType() != 1018545:
        print("Not a Matrix object")
        return

    # Get grid resolution (count)
    count_x = matrix_obj[c4d.MG_MATRIX_GRID_COUNT_X]
    count_y = matrix_obj[c4d.MG_MATRIX_GRID_COUNT_Y]
    count_z = matrix_obj[c4d.MG_MATRIX_GRID_COUNT_Z]

    # Get the total size of the grid
    size_x = matrix_obj[c4d.MG_MATRIXOBJECT_SIZE].x
    size_y = matrix_obj[c4d.MG_MATRIXOBJECT_SIZE].y
    size_z = matrix_obj[c4d.MG_MATRIXOBJECT_SIZE].z

    # Calculate the size of each cell
    cell_size_x = size_x / max(1, count_x - 1)  # Avoid division by zero
    cell_size_y = size_y / max(1, count_y - 1)
    cell_size_z = size_z / max(1, count_z - 1)

    # Set the scale of clones to fill each cell (leaving a small margin)
    margin_factor = 0.9  # Adjust the margin as needed
    new_scale = c4d.Vector(cell_size_x * margin_factor, cell_size_y * margin_factor, cell_size_z * margin_factor)

    # Update the scale of clones
    matrix_obj[c4d.MG_MATRIXOBJECT_SIZE] = new_scale

    # Notify Cinema 4D of the update
    c4d.EventAdd()

if __name__=='__main__':
    main()

Instructions for Use:

Attach the Script: Add this script to a Python tag on your MoGraph Matrix object.
Adjust as Needed: You may tweak the margin_factor to control the spacing between clones.
Test the Script: After attaching the script, change the grid resolution and observe the scaling of the clones. Ensure they adjust correctly to fill the grid.

This script should now correctly identify the MoGraph Matrix object using the provided type ID and adjust the scale of the clones based on the grid resolution while keeping the overall grid size constant.

It seems we’ve encountered another issue with attribute names in the Cinema 4D Python API. The correct attributes for accessing the grid count in each axis might differ. Let’s revise the script with a generic approach to obtain these counts. In Cinema 4D, you can usually access such properties through the object’s base container.

Revised Python Script:

import c4d

def main():
    matrix_obj = op.GetObject()

    # Check if the object is a Matrix, using the correct type ID
    if not matrix_obj or matrix_obj.GetType() != 1018545:
        print("Not a Matrix object")
        return

    # Access the base container of the matrix object
    bc = matrix_obj.GetDataInstance()

    # Get grid resolution (count)
    count_x = bc.GetInt32(c4d.MG_GRIDARRAY_COUNT_X, 1)
    count_y = bc.GetInt32(c4d.MG_GRIDARRAY_COUNT_Y, 1)
    count_z = bc.GetInt32(c4d.MG_GRIDARRAY_COUNT_Z, 1)

    # Get the total size of the grid
    size_x = bc.GetVector(c4d.MG_GRIDARRAY_SIZE).x
    size_y = bc.GetVector(c4d.MG_GRIDARRAY_SIZE).y
    size_z = bc.GetVector(c4d.MG_GRIDARRAY_SIZE).z

    # Calculate the size of each cell
    cell_size_x = size_x / max(1, count_x - 1)  # Avoid division by zero
    cell_size_y = size_y / max(1, count_y - 1)
    cell_size_z = size_z / max(1, count_z - 1)

    # Set the scale of clones to fill each cell (leaving a small margin)
    margin_factor = 0.9  # Adjust the margin as needed
    new_scale = c4d.Vector(cell_size_x * margin_factor, cell_size_y * margin_factor, cell_size_z * margin_factor)

    # Update the scale of clones
    matrix_obj[c4d.MG_MATRIXOBJECT_SIZE] = new_scale

    # Notify Cinema 4D of the update
    c4d.EventAdd()

if __name__=='__main__':
    main()

This version of the script uses the GetDataInstance() method to access the base container of the Matrix object, which should provide a more reliable way to get the grid resolution and size. The GetInt32 and GetVector methods are used to retrieve the grid count and size, respectively.

Please test this revised script in your Cinema 4D setup. This approach should be more robust and compatible with the different attribute naming conventions across Cinema 4D versions.

I apologize for the confusion. It seems that there was a mistake in identifying the correct attributes for the grid count in Cinema 4D’s Python API. The MoGraph Matrix object uses specific IDs to access its parameters. We need to use the right IDs for the grid count and size.

In Cinema 4D, each parameter in an object or tag has a unique ID, which is used to access it in Python. These IDs can typically be found in the Cinema 4D SDK documentation or by using the script log in Cinema 4D to record actions and see their corresponding IDs.

Revised Approach:

Find the Correct Parameter IDs:
- Use the script log in Cinema 4D to determine the correct parameter IDs for the grid count (X, Y, Z) and size. This can be done by manually changing these parameters in the Matrix object and observing the output in the script log.
- Alternatively, consult the Cinema 4D SDK documentation for these specific IDs.
Update the Script:
- Once you have the correct IDs, update the script to use these IDs when accessing the grid count and size.
Test the Script:
- Attach the updated script to a Python tag on your Matrix object and modify the grid count to see if the script adjusts the scale of the clones as expected.

Without the exact version of Cinema 4D and its SDK documentation, I’m unable to provide the precise parameter IDs you need. The approach described above will allow you to find these IDs directly within your version of Cinema 4D.

Great, now that we know c4d.MG_GRID_RESOLUTION is the correct parameter to use for accessing the grid resolution of the Matrix object, we can update the script accordingly. Since MG_GRID_RESOLUTION seems to represent a single value, it suggests that the grid is uniform across all axes. We will use this value to calculate the scale of the clones.

Updated Python Script:

import c4d

def main():
    matrix_obj = op.GetObject()

    # Check if the object is a Matrix, using the correct type ID
    if not matrix_obj or matrix_obj.GetType() != 1018545:
        print("Not a Matrix object")
        return

    # Get grid resolution
    grid_resolution = matrix_obj[c4d.MG_GRID_RESOLUTION]

    # Get the total size of the grid
    size = matrix_obj[c4d.MG_MATRIXOBJECT_SIZE].x  # Assuming uniform size for X, Y, Z

    # Calculate the size of each cell
    # Avoid division by zero and subtract 1 since we're dealing with endpoints
    cell_size = size / max(1, grid_resolution - 1)

    # Set the scale of clones to fill each cell (leaving a small margin)
    margin_factor = 0.9  # Adjust the margin as needed
    new_scale = c4d.Vector(cell_size * margin_factor, cell_size * margin_factor, cell_size * margin_factor)

    # Update the scale of clones
    matrix_obj[c4d.MG_MATRIXOBJECT_SIZE] = new_scale

    # Notify Cinema 4D of the update
    c4d.EventAdd()

if __name__=='__main__':
    main()

How This Script Works:

Matrix Object Check: It first checks if the selected object is a Matrix object.
Grid Resolution: It retrieves the grid resolution using c4d.MG_GRID_RESOLUTION.
Calculate Cell Size: The script calculates the size of each cell in the grid based on the total size (assuming a uniform size for X, Y, Z axes) and the grid resolution.
Clone Scaling: It then scales the clones to fit these cells, accounting for a margin (which you can adjust).
Update and Refresh: Finally, it updates the Matrix object and refreshes the scene to apply these changes.

Please attach this Python tag to your Matrix object and adjust the grid resolution to test how the clones scale. Adjust margin_factor as needed for the desired visual effect.

Given that you have a dynamically changing grid resolution in your Matrix object and you want to adjust the scale of the clones based on specific grid resolutions, you can achieve this by using a Python tag that updates the scale of the clones based on the current grid resolution.

You’ll need a function that maps the grid resolution to the desired scale. Given your example, where a grid resolution of X = 78, Z = 39 corresponds to a scale of X = 2.94, Z = 3.18, you might use a simple proportional relationship or a more complex function, depending on how you want the scale to change with the resolution.

Here is an example script that you can adjust according to your needs:

Python Script for Cinema 4D:

import c4d

def calculate_scale(res_x, res_z):
    """
    Calculate the scale based on the grid resolution.
    Adjust this function based on your specific scaling needs.
    """
    # Example calculation - adjust these formulas as needed
    scale_x = 2.94 / 78 * res_x
    scale_z = 3.18 / 39 * res_z

    return scale_x, scale_z

def main():
    matrix_obj = op.GetObject()

    # Check if the object is a Matrix, using the correct type ID
    if not matrix_obj or matrix_obj.GetType() != 1018545:
        print("Not a Matrix object")
        return

    # Get grid resolution
    grid_resolution_x = matrix_obj[c4d.MG_MATRIX_GRID_COUNT_X]
    grid_resolution_z = matrix_obj[c4d.MG_MATRIX_GRID_COUNT_Z]

    # Calculate the new scale based on the resolution
    scale_x, scale_z = calculate_scale(grid_resolution_x, grid_resolution_z)

    # Set the scale of clones
    new_scale = c4d.Vector(scale_x, 1, scale_z)  # Assuming Y scale remains constant

    # Update the scale of clones
    matrix_obj[c4d.MG_MATRIXOBJECT_SIZE] = new_scale

    # Notify Cinema 4D of the update
    c4d.EventAdd()

if __name__=='__main__':
    main()

Instructions:

Function calculate_scale: This function takes the grid resolution (X and Z) as inputs and returns the corresponding scale values (X and Z). You should adjust the formula inside this function based on how you want the scale to change relative to the resolution.
Setting the Scale: The script then sets the scale of the clones to these calculated values.
Attach the Script: Attach this script to a Python tag on your Matrix object.
Testing and Adjustments: Test the script by changing the grid resolution and observing the scaling of the clones. Adjust the formula in calculate_scale as necessary to fit your specific requirements.

This script provides a basic framework. You may need to fine-tune the scaling function to match your exact scaling rules.

The error message suggests there are two issues with the script:

ReferenceError: could not find ‘main’ in tag ‘Matrix - Grid changes’: This indicates a problem with how the script is being executed within Cinema 4D. The script should be placed in a Python tag and attached to the Matrix object. Ensure that the script is correctly set up in the Python tag.
AttributeError: module ‘c4d’ has no attribute ‘MG_MATRIX_GRID_COUNT_X’: It appears that the attribute name used to access the grid count is incorrect. Let’s correct this by using the right identifiers. The correct attributes are usually MG_GRIDARRAY_COUNT_X and MG_GRIDARRAY_COUNT_Y for accessing the grid count.

Here’s the revised script with the correct attributes:

import c4d

def calculate_scale(res_x, res_z):
    # Example calculation - adjust these formulas as needed
    scale_x = 2.94 / 78 * res_x
    scale_z = 3.18 / 39 * res_z
    return scale_x, scale_z

def main():
    matrix_obj = op.GetObject()

    # Check if the object is a Matrix, using the correct type ID
    if not matrix_obj or matrix_obj.GetType() != 1018545:
        print("Not a Matrix object")
        return

    # Get grid resolution
    grid_resolution_x = matrix_obj[c4d.MG_GRIDARRAY_COUNT_X]
    grid_resolution_z = matrix_obj[c4d.MG_GRIDARRAY_COUNT_Z]

    # Calculate the new scale based on the resolution
    scale_x, scale_z = calculate_scale(grid_resolution_x, grid_resolution_z)

    # Set the scale of clones
    new_scale = c4d.Vector(scale_x, 1, scale_z)  # Assuming Y scale remains constant

    # Update the scale of clones
    matrix_obj[c4d.MG_MATRIXOBJECT_SIZE] = new_scale

    # Notify Cinema 4D of the update
    c4d.EventAdd()

if __name__=='__main__':
    main()

Attach this revised script to a Python tag on your Matrix object and ensure the script is correctly configured in the tag. Test by changing the grid resolution to see if the script adjusts the scale of the clones as expected. Adjust the calculate_scale function for your specific scaling rules.

It appears we’re encountering continued issues with finding the correct attribute names for accessing the grid resolution of the Matrix object. Since the previous attempts with MG_GRIDARRAY_COUNT_X and similar attributes have not been successful, I suggest a different approach.

We can try directly accessing the data of the Matrix object. In Cinema 4D’s Python API, most objects’ data can be accessed through their BaseContainer, which stores all the parameters and values.

Revised Script Using BaseContainer:

import c4d

def calculate_scale(res_x, res_z):
    # Example calculation - adjust these formulas as needed
    scale_x = 2.94 / 78 * res_x
    scale_z = 3.18 / 39 * res_z
    return scale_x, scale_z

def main():
    matrix_obj = op.GetObject()

    # Check if the object is a Matrix, using the correct type ID
    if not matrix_obj or matrix_obj.GetType() != 1018545:
        print("Not a Matrix object")
        return

    # Access the base container of the matrix object
    bc = matrix_obj.GetDataInstance()

    # Attempt to get grid resolution using known ID or parameter names
    # Replace 'ID_X' and 'ID_Z' with the actual ID or parameter name for grid resolution
    grid_resolution_x = bc.GetInt32(ID_X, 1)  # Default to 1 if not found
    grid_resolution_z = bc.GetInt32(ID_Z, 1)  # Default to 1 if not found

    # Calculate the new scale based on the resolution
    scale_x, scale_z = calculate_scale(grid_resolution_x, grid_resolution_z)

    # Set the scale of clones
    new_scale = c4d.Vector(scale_x, 1, scale_z)  # Assuming Y scale remains constant

    # Update the scale of clones
    matrix_obj[c4d.MG_MATRIXOBJECT_SIZE] = new_scale

    # Notify Cinema 4D of the update
    c4d.EventAdd()

if __name__=='__main__':
    main()

Important Notes:

Finding Correct IDs: Replace ID_X and ID_Z with the actual parameter IDs for the grid resolution in the X and Z directions. These IDs can be found in the Cinema 4D SDK documentation or by using the script log in Cinema 4D to detect changes.
Default Values: The script uses a default value of 1 for resolutions if the IDs aren’t found, to avoid errors.

Attach this script to a Python tag on your Matrix object, and ensure you have the correct IDs for the grid resolution parameters. Testing this script should reveal if the scale adjusts correctly with the changing grid resolution.

The error you’re encountering is because the placeholder IDs ID_X and ID_Z in the script need to be replaced with the actual parameter IDs for the grid resolution in the X and Z directions. Since we don’t have the specific IDs, I’ll guide you on how to find them and then you can replace these placeholders with the actual IDs.

Finding the Correct Parameter IDs:

Script Log in Cinema 4D:
- Open Cinema 4D and go to Script → Script Log.
- Adjust the grid resolution in the Matrix object.
- Observe the output in the Script Log. It should show something like obj[ID] = value. The ID is what we are looking for.
Cinema 4D SDK Documentation:
- Alternatively, you can consult the Cinema 4D SDK documentation for your version of Cinema 4D. It lists all parameter IDs for objects.

Once you have the IDs:

Replace ID_X and ID_Z in the script with the actual IDs you found.

Example:

Assuming the IDs are 1234 and 5678, the script’s relevant lines would change to:

grid_resolution_x = bc.GetInt32(1234, 1)  # Replace 1234 with the actual ID
grid_resolution_z = bc.GetInt32(5678, 1)  # Replace 5678 with the actual ID

Once you have updated the script with the correct parameter IDs, it should work as intended, adjusting the scale of the Matrix clones based on the grid resolution.

Since the script log shows c4d.MG_GRID_RESOLUTION, it means this is the correct parameter to use for adjusting the grid resolution of your Matrix object. This parameter seems to control the resolution uniformly across all axes. Given this, you can update the Python script to use c4d.MG_GRID_RESOLUTION and calculate the scale of the clones accordingly.

Updated Python Script:

import c4d

def calculate_scale(grid_resolution):
    # Example calculation - adjust these formulas as needed
    # Assuming a similar scaling formula for both X and Z axes
    scale_x = 2.94 / 78 * grid_resolution
    scale_z = 3.18 / 39 * grid_resolution
    return scale_x, scale_z

def main():
    matrix_obj = op.GetObject()

    # Check if the object is a Matrix, using the correct type ID
    if not matrix_obj or matrix_obj.GetType() != 1018545:
        print("Not a Matrix object")
        return

    # Get uniform grid resolution
    grid_resolution = matrix_obj[c4d.MG_GRID_RESOLUTION]

    # Calculate the new scale based on the resolution
    scale_x, scale_z = calculate_scale(grid_resolution)

    # Set the scale of clones
    new_scale = c4d.Vector(scale_x, 1, scale_z)  # Assuming Y scale remains constant

    # Update the scale of clones
    matrix_obj[c4d.MG_MATRIXOBJECT_SIZE] = new_scale

    # Notify Cinema 4D of the update
    c4d.EventAdd()

if __name__=='__main__':
    main()

How to Use:

Attach this script to a Python tag on your Matrix object.
The script will now read the uniform grid resolution from c4d.MG_GRID_RESOLUTION.
The calculate_scale function has been adjusted to use this uniform resolution for both X and Z axes. You may need to adjust the scaling formula based on your specific requirements.
Once attached, changing the grid resolution should automatically adjust the scale of the clones.

This script assumes that the scaling for both X and Z axes is similar and based on the uniform grid resolution. If you need different scaling behavior for each axis, you would need to adjust the calculate_scale function accordingly.

The error message you’re seeing indicates that c4d.MG_GRID_RESOLUTION is returning a c4d.Vector object, not a single numeric value as initially assumed. This suggests that the grid resolution is separately defined for the X, Y, and Z axes. Therefore, we need to adjust the script to handle this vector value properly.

Updated Python Script:

Here’s a revised script that extracts the X and Z components from the c4d.Vector and uses them to calculate the scale:

import c4d

def calculate_scale(res_x, res_z):
    # Example calculation - adjust these formulas as needed
    scale_x = 2.94 / 78 * res_x
    scale_z = 3.18 / 39 * res_z
    return scale_x, scale_z

def main():
    matrix_obj = op.GetObject()

    # Check if the object is a Matrix, using the correct type ID
    if not matrix_obj or matrix_obj.GetType() != 1018545:
        print("Not a Matrix object")
        return

    # Get grid resolution vector
    grid_resolution_vector = matrix_obj[c4d.MG_GRID_RESOLUTION]

    # Extract the X and Z components from the grid resolution vector
    grid_resolution_x = grid_resolution_vector.x
    grid_resolution_z = grid_resolution_vector.z

    # Calculate the new scale based on the resolution
    scale_x, scale_z = calculate_scale(grid_resolution_x, grid_resolution_z)

    # Set the scale of clones
    new_scale = c4d.Vector(scale_x, 1, scale_z)  # Assuming Y scale remains constant

    # Update the scale of clones
    matrix_obj[c4d.MG_MATRIXOBJECT_SIZE] = new_scale

    # Notify Cinema 4D of the update
    c4d.EventAdd()

if __name__=='__main__':
    main()

How to Use:

Attach this script to a Python tag on your Matrix object.
This script now extracts the X and Z components from the c4d.Vector returned by c4d.MG_GRID_RESOLUTION and calculates the scale based on these values.
Test the script by changing the grid resolution. The clones’ scale should automatically adjust.

This revised script should properly handle the vector data from c4d.MG_GRID_RESOLUTION and adjust the scale of the clones based on the X and Z resolutions. Remember to adjust the calculate_scale function to suit your specific scaling needs.

The error indicates that c4d.MG_MATRIXOBJECT_SIZE is not the correct attribute to set the scale of the clones. In Cinema 4D, the scaling of clones in a MoGraph Matrix object is typically managed through the MG_MOTIONGENERATOR_SIZE attribute. Let’s update the script accordingly.

Revised Python Script:

import c4d

def calculate_scale(res_x, res_z):
    # Example calculation - adjust these formulas as needed
    scale_x = 2.94 / 78 * res_x
    scale_z = 3.18 / 39 * res_z
    return scale_x, scale_z

def main():
    matrix_obj = op.GetObject()

    # Check if the object is a Matrix, using the correct type ID
    if not matrix_obj or matrix_obj.GetType() != 1018545:
        print("Not a Matrix object")
        return

    # Get grid resolution vector
    grid_resolution_vector = matrix_obj[c4d.MG_GRID_RESOLUTION]

    # Extract the X and Z components from the grid resolution vector
    grid_resolution_x = grid_resolution_vector.x
    grid_resolution_z = grid_resolution_vector.z

    # Calculate the new scale based on the resolution
    scale_x, scale_z = calculate_scale(grid_resolution_x, grid_resolution_z)

    # Set the scale of clones
    new_scale = c4d.Vector(scale_x, 1, scale_z)  # Assuming Y scale remains constant

    # Update the scale of clones
    matrix_obj[c4d.MG_MOTIONGENERATOR_SIZE] = new_scale

    # Notify Cinema 4D of the update
    c4d.EventAdd()

if __name__=='__main__':
    main()

Instructions for Use:

Attach this script to a Python tag on your Matrix object.
The script now uses c4d.MG_MOTIONGENERATOR_SIZE to set the scale of the clones.
Adjust the grid resolution and observe how the clones’ scale changes accordingly.

This script should now correctly change the scale of the clones based on the grid resolution in the X and Z axes. As always, you can adjust the calculate_scale function to fine-tune the scaling behavior to your requirements.

It appears we are still encountering issues with finding the correct attribute to set the scale of clones in a MoGraph Matrix object. In Cinema 4D, the method to set the scale of clones can vary depending on the version and the specific setup of the MoGraph system.

Given the challenges with attribute naming, let’s try a different approach. Instead of setting the scale directly on the Matrix object, we can use a Cloner object in conjunction with the Matrix object. The Cloner object can be set to clone onto the Matrix object, and then we can adjust the scale of the clones within the Cloner. This method is often more straightforward.

Steps for the Alternative Approach:

Set Up a Cloner Object:
- Create a Cloner object in your scene.
- Set the Cloner to clone onto the Matrix object. This can typically be done by setting the Cloner’s Mode to ‘Object’ and dragging the Matrix object into the appropriate field.
Adjust the Cloner’s Scale Using Python:
- We can then use a Python script to adjust the scale of the clones within the Cloner based on the grid resolution of the Matrix object.
Example Python Script for Cloner:

import c4d

def calculate_scale(res_x, res_z):
    # Example calculation - adjust these formulas as needed
    scale_x = 2.94 / 78 * res_x
    scale_z = 3.18 / 39 * res_z
    return scale_x, scale_z

def main():
    cloner_obj = op.GetObject()

    # Ensure this is a Cloner object
    if not cloner_obj or cloner_obj.GetType() != 1018544:  # Replace with Cloner's type ID if different
        print("Not a Cloner object")
        return

    # Assuming the first child of the cloner is the Matrix object
    matrix_obj = cloner_obj.GetDown()

    # Check if the Matrix object exists and is correct
    if not matrix_obj or matrix_obj.GetType() != 1018545:  # Replace with Matrix's type ID if different
        print("Matrix object not found or incorrect")
        return

    # Get grid resolution vector
    grid_resolution_vector = matrix_obj[c4d.MG_GRID_RESOLUTION]

    # Extract X and Z components from the grid resolution vector
    grid_resolution_x = grid_resolution_vector.x
    grid_resolution_z = grid_resolution_vector.z

    # Calculate the new scale based on the resolution
    scale_x, scale_z = calculate_scale(grid_resolution_x, grid_resolution_z)

    # Set the scale of clones
    new_scale = c4d.Vector(scale_x, 1, scale_z)  # Assuming Y scale remains constant

    # Apply the new scale to the Cloner's Transform tab
    cloner_obj[c4d.ID_MG_MOTIONGENERATOR_TRANSFORM_SCALE] = new_scale

    # Notify Cinema 4D of the update
    c4d.EventAdd()

if __name__=='__main__':
    main()

Usage:

Attach this script to a Python tag on the Cloner object.
Ensure the Cloner is set to clone onto the Matrix object.
The script will adjust the scale of the clones based on the Matrix object’s grid resolution.

Remember to replace the type IDs with the correct ones for your version of Cinema 4D. This approach should provide a more straightforward way to control the scale of clones based on the Matrix grid resolution.

Thank you for providing the specific parameter IDs. Now that we have c4d.ID_MG_TRANSFORM_SCALE along with c4d.VECTOR_X and c4d.VECTOR_Z, we can correctly access and modify the scale values for the X and Z axes of your Matrix object. Let’s revise the Python script accordingly.

Updated Python Script:

This script will adjust the scale of the Matrix object clones based on the grid resolution, using the provided parameter IDs.

import c4d

def calculate_scale(res_x, res_z):
    # Example calculation - adjust these formulas as needed
    scale_x = 2.94 / 78 * res_x
    scale_z = 3.18 / 39 * res_z
    return scale_x, scale_z

def main():
    matrix_obj = op.GetObject()

    # Check if the object is a Matrix, using the correct type ID
    if not matrix_obj or matrix_obj.GetType() != 1018545:
        print("Not a Matrix object")
        return

    # Get grid resolution vector
    grid_resolution_vector = matrix_obj[c4d.MG_GRID_RESOLUTION]

    # Extract the X and Z components from the grid resolution vector
    grid_resolution_x = grid_resolution_vector.x
    grid_resolution_z = grid_resolution_vector.z

    # Calculate the new scale based on the resolution
    scale_x, scale_z = calculate_scale(grid_resolution_x, grid_resolution_z)

    # Get current scale vector
    current_scale = matrix_obj[c4d.ID_MG_TRANSFORM_SCALE]

    # Update the scale of clones
    new_scale = c4d.Vector(scale_x, current_scale.y, scale_z)
    matrix_obj[c4d.ID_MG_TRANSFORM_SCALE] = new_scale

    # Notify Cinema 4D of the update
    c4d.EventAdd()

if __name__=='__main__':
    main()

Instructions for Use:

Attach the Script: Add this script to a Python tag on your Matrix object.
Scaling Based on Resolution: The script reads the grid resolution and calculates the new scale for the X and Z axes.
Testing: After attaching the script, changing the grid resolution should automatically adjust the scale of the clones.

This script should now work correctly with your Matrix object, scaling the clones based on the grid resolution. The calculate_scale function can be adjusted to change how the scale is calculated based on the grid resolution.

I’m glad to hear that the script is working for the Z scale. If the X scale is not updating as expected, let’s ensure that the script is correctly calculating and applying the scale for the X axis. We’ll go through the script again, paying special attention to how the X scale is handled.

Updated Python Script:

import c4d

def calculate_scale(res_x, res_z):
    # Example calculation - adjust these formulas as needed
    scale_x = 2.94 / 78 * res_x
    scale_z = 3.18 / 39 * res_z
    return scale_x, scale_z

def main():
    matrix_obj = op.GetObject()

    # Check if the object is a Matrix, using the correct type ID
    if not matrix_obj or matrix_obj.GetType() != 1018545:
        print("Not a Matrix object")
        return

    # Get grid resolution vector
    grid_resolution_vector = matrix_obj[c4d.MG_GRID_RESOLUTION]

    # Extract the X and Z components from the grid resolution vector
    grid_resolution_x = grid_resolution_vector.x
    grid_resolution_z = grid_resolution_vector.z

    # Calculate the new scale based on the resolution
    scale_x, scale_z = calculate_scale(grid_resolution_x, grid_resolution_z)

    # Get current scale vector
    current_scale = matrix_obj[c4d.ID_MG_TRANSFORM_SCALE]

    # Update the scale of clones for X and Z axes
    new_scale = c4d.Vector(scale_x, current_scale.y, scale_z)
    matrix_obj[c4d.ID_MG_TRANSFORM_SCALE,c4d.VECTOR_X] = scale_x
    matrix_obj[c4d.ID_MG_TRANSFORM_SCALE,c4d.VECTOR_Z] = scale_z

    # Notify Cinema 4D of the update
    c4d.EventAdd()

if __name__=='__main__':
    main()

Key Changes:

Individual Scale Adjustment: The script now individually sets the scale for the X and Z axes using c4d.ID_MG_TRANSFORM_SCALE,c4d.VECTOR_X for X and c4d.ID_MG_TRANSFORM_SCALE,c4d.VECTOR_Z for Z.
Scaling Calculation: The calculate_scale function determines the scale values based on the grid resolution. Make sure the formulas here correctly represent how you want the scale to change with the grid resolution.

Testing the Script:

Attach this updated script to a Python tag on your Matrix object.
Adjust the grid resolution and observe if both the X and Z scales of the clones change appropriately.

This revision should ensure that both the X and Z scales are being updated correctly. If you still encounter issues with the X scale, it might be helpful to double-check the grid resolution settings and the calculate_scale function to ensure they align with your intended scaling behavior.

To reverse the relationship between the grid resolution and the scale of the clones, we need to modify the calculate_scale function in your script. Instead of increasing the scale with higher grid resolution, the scale should decrease as the grid resolution increases, and vice versa.

To achieve this inverse relationship, you can use a formula where the scale is inversely proportional to the grid resolution. Here’s how you can update the calculate_scale function:

Updated Python Script with Inverse Relationship:

import c4d

def calculate_scale(res_x, res_z, base_scale_x=2.94, base_scale_z=3.18, base_res_x=78, base_res_z=39):
    # Adjust these base values as needed
    # Inverse relationship calculation
    scale_x = base_scale_x * (base_res_x / float(res_x)) if res_x != 0 else base_scale_x
    scale_z = base_scale_z * (base_res_z / float(res_z)) if res_z != 0 else base_scale_z
    return scale_x, scale_z

def main():
    matrix_obj = op.GetObject()

    # Check if the object is a Matrix
    if not matrix_obj or matrix_obj.GetType() != 1018545:
        print("Not a Matrix object")
        return

    # Get grid resolution vector
    grid_resolution_vector = matrix_obj[c4d.MG_GRID_RESOLUTION]

    # Extract the X and Z components from the grid resolution vector
    grid_resolution_x = grid_resolution_vector.x
    grid_resolution_z = grid_resolution_vector.z

    # Calculate the new scale based on the resolution
    scale_x, scale_z = calculate_scale(grid_resolution_x, grid_resolution_z)

    # Update the scale of clones for X and Z axes
    matrix_obj[c4d.ID_MG_TRANSFORM_SCALE,c4d.VECTOR_X] = scale_x
    matrix_obj[c4d.ID_MG_TRANSFORM_SCALE,c4d.VECTOR_Z] = scale_z

    # Notify Cinema 4D of the update
    c4d.EventAdd()

if __name__=='__main__':
    main()

Explanation of the Changes:

The calculate_scale function now includes an inverse relationship calculation. As the grid resolution increases, the scale decreases, and vice versa.
The function uses base_scale_x, base_scale_z, base_res_x, and base_res_z as reference points to calculate the scale. Adjust these values to fit the scale behavior you want relative to a specific grid resolution.

Testing:

Attach this script to a Python tag on your Matrix object.
Change the grid resolution and observe the scale behavior. The scale should now inversely correlate with the grid resolution.

This approach should meet your requirements of having the clones’ scale inversely related to the grid resolution, ensuring that higher resolutions lead to smaller scales and lower resolutions lead to larger scales.