Technical Foundations

MEL Matrix

A Maya MEL scripting project that builds a procedural 3D matrix of objects, using generated geometry, vertex placement, random scale variation, and a custom UI workflow.

  • MEL scripting for procedural object generation
  • Vertex-based placement, random sizing, duplication, and grouping
  • Custom MEL UI for controlling the generated matrix object

Final Result

Generated micro pollen object created through MEL scripting and procedural construction.

Reference Images

Visual references used for the micro pollen form language.

Technical Breakdown

Step-by-step construction process paired with the related MEL code snippets.

Step 1 result

Step 1 — Choose the shape and create as main object

step1.htmlMEL
Step 2 result

Step 2 — Add more vertices along each edge

step2.htmlMEL
Step 3 result

Step 3 — Place random-sized spheres on each vertex

step3.htmlMEL
Step 4 result

Step 4 — Add twisted horns along the vertex edges

step4.htmlMEL
Step 5-1 result

Step 5-1 — Create the sub object frame with half-sphere forms

step5-1.htmlMEL
Step 5-2 result

Step 5-2 — Place random-sized small spheres on selected vertices

step5-2.htmlMEL
Step 5-3 result

Step 5-3 — Place cylinders along selected edges

step5-3.htmlMEL
Step 5-4 result

Step 5-4 — Cover remaining faces with inverted pyramids

step5-4.htmlMEL
Step 6 result

Step 6 — Duplicate the sub object and place it on each face

step6.htmlMEL
Step 7 result

Step 7 — Delete the main guide shape and group the result

step7.htmlMEL

User Interface

A custom MEL UI for driving and controlling the matrix generation workflow.

UI Description

Interface notes and controls used for the procedural matrix tool.

MEL Matrix UI instruction image

MEL UI Code

The main UI script displayed in a cleaner code viewer frame.

Matrix_UI.htmlMEL UI

Download Source Code

Source files from the original project page.