iToo Software has introduced direct integration between Forest Pack and RailClone, allowing the two plugins to work together in a single procedural workflow for the first time.

The update enables RailClone segments to be used as placement points in Forest Pack. This allows users to create procedural layouts with RailClone and populate those layouts using Forest Pack's object libraries, animation controls, Effects, and optimization tools.

Any changes made to the RailClone style are automatically reflected in Forest Pack, maintaining a live procedural relationship between the two plugins.

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How the Integration Works

RailClone controls the procedural layout and determines where objects should be placed.

Forest Pack uses selected RailClone segments as placement points and controls which objects are distributed to those locations. Once placed, those objects can take advantage of Forest Pack's existing tools for variation, animation, visibility management, optimization, and scene control.

This workflow combines RailClone's procedural modeling capabilities with Forest Pack's scattering and asset management features.

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Example Use Cases

The integration can be used in a wide range of visualization and environment design workflows, including:

• Populating auditorium seating layouts with 3D people.
• Filling tree pits and planters with vegetation.
• Placing vehicles in procedural parking bays.
• Adding street furniture, signage, and lighting to procedural streetscapes.
• Populating rooftop gardens, terraces, and balconies with plants and trees.

Because the connection remains procedural, updates made to the RailClone layout are automatically reflected in Forest Pack.

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Beyond Object Placement

Objects distributed through the integration can use Forest Pack features that were previously unavailable when working with RailClone alone.

For example, a procedural lighting rig can be generated with RailClone while Forest Pack places the individual light fixtures. Those fixtures can then use Forest Pack's Look At functionality to automatically target a speaker, performer, or other scene object.

Once objects are placed, users can access Forest Pack tools including:

Property Control

Control object properties using textures and procedural maps, including:

• Scale
• Rotation
• Visibility
• Transformations
• Distribution variation

Animation Controls

Apply Forest Pack animation features such as:

• Animation playback control
• Randomized playback timing
• Instance variation

Collision Detection

Remove overlapping objects using Forest Pack's collision checking system.

Visibility Optimization

Manage viewport and render performance using:

• Camera clipping
• Distance-based culling
• Visibility filtering

Terrain Adaptation

Adapt objects to terrain using:

• Altitude controls
• Slope filtering
• Projection controls

Level of Detail (LOD)

Optimize large scenes using Forest Pack's Level of Detail system.

Forest Color Support

Apply Forest Color maps, including Tint by Element controls.

Manual Editing

Adjust individual placements using the Items Editor while maintaining the procedural workflow.

Edge Mode Controls

Use clipping and boundary controls on procedurally generated layouts.

Forest Effects

Apply Forest Effects to control:

• Variation
• Filtering
• Transformations
• Visibility
• Distribution behavior

In this workflow, RailClone controls the layout while Forest Pack provides additional tools for managing and optimizing the objects placed on it.

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Automatic Geometry Matching

The integration also introduces automatic geometry matching using RailClone Tags.

Different RailClone segment types can automatically place different Forest Pack objects without increasing the complexity of the RailClone graph.

To assign geometry, add a RailClone Tag using:

fpgeom = name

Where name is the text string that will be matched inside Forest Pack.

In Forest Pack, enable Match Geometry by Name and ensure the corresponding geometry entry uses the same name.

This allows Forest Pack to automatically assign the correct geometry to specific RailClone segments.

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Key Benefits of the Integration

The new workflow allows users to:

• Generate layouts procedurally with RailClone.
• Populate layouts using Forest Pack assets.
• Keep placement relationships live and procedural.
• Use Forest Pack animation controls on RailClone-driven objects.
• Apply Forest Effects to RailClone-generated layouts.
• Optimize scenes using culling and Level of Detail controls.
• Manage object variation through maps, textures, and procedural rules.
• Simplify complex setups using automatic geometry matching.

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Availability

The latest versions of Forest Pack and RailClone are available now through the iToo Software User Panel.

The release also includes additional updates and improvements documented in the latest release notes for both products.

Users with an active Maintenance Plan can download the update immediately. If your Maintenance Plan has expired, it can be renewed at any time to restore access to the latest software versions, content libraries, and technical support.

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Get Forest Pack and RailClone from Motion Media

Looking to add Forest Pack or RailClone to your 3ds Max workflow?

Motion Media is an authorized reseller of iToo Software products, providing genuine Forest Pack and RailClone licenses, subscription renewals, and upgrade assistance for studios, visualization professionals, architects, and 3D artists.

Whether you're purchasing a new license, renewing maintenance, or upgrading your existing software, our team can help you find the right option for your workflow and budget.

Contact Motion Media today to get started with Forest Pack and RailClone.