The download source for Blur Studio's OpenSource Tools, BlurBeta Tools, is up and running again. The tools are broken down into the following categories: Max Main Tools, Max Modeling Tools, Max Animation Tools, Max Camera Tools, Max Rigging Tools, and Max Utilities Tools. Over 70 3ds Max tools in total. The tools in each category are mainly individual Max Script files. Among the tools in the 'Max Main Tools' group you'll find scripts ranging from 'SimpleRenamer.ms' to 'Point cache tool.ms which is an Import/application of Pc2 and TransformCache enMasse. 'ElementStorm.ms' that is in development, is a Node based Flow of maxscript, set up render passes etc. In the 'Max Modelling Tools' group we have about 22 tools ranging from a 'MeshChecker.ms' that checks for dead uvs, objects not collapsed to origin. A number different poly tools from 'polyMeshSmooth.ms' to polyCollapse.ms' also some spline tools are in there. HairFx contains tools to help with hairfx control splines. Included under this heading is' Light' which is a collection of scripts to toggle on and off different lighting setups during modeling. The 'Max Animation Tools' has a 'KeyPosRot.ms' that is used to Set Key on Position and Rotation, and a 'curveEditor_DeleteOldTrackviews.ms' that brings up trackview with selected and animated tracks. Plus many more animation scripts. 'Max Camera Tools' has a number of interesting scripts including a 'shotSequenceCam.ms' that makes a camera that can play through all cameras.

Moving on tho the 'Max Rigging Tools' we are given over 16 tools to play with dealing with hierarchies, rigging and skin tools like the 'AdvancedSkinTool.ms' that lets you manipulate many bone envelopes at once. Last but not least is the 'Max Utilities Tools' containing various utility Max Scripts such as 'TransformTools.ms' that allows you to manipulate transforms with a dialog. For a complete brief rundown on all the tools see Quick Description of BlurBeta tools The download for the 3ds Max tools is in the form of a 20 MB exe file. In addition to this package, there is a 60 MB Documentation Installer, a 20 MB resource installer, as well as 20 MB offsite Installer - the note on the site says "This includes ALL of Blur's tools. Only install if you already know what tools to use" about the offsite Installer.

If you are interested in checking out these free tools, visit http://www.blur.com/blurbeta.html and http://www.blur.com/blurBeta_files/BlurBetaToolDescriptions.html.