Auto color objects on creation
Hi folks!
I like to color objects depending on their function, for example, I green for sends/receives, dark green for pattr, blue for values, orange for subpatches, etc. Is there any way to make these objects colored on creation?
Best,
Eugene
Hey!
I am in the same position as OP. For code maintenance, I found that coloring specific objects like [send]/[receive] and others help readability immensely. Currently I am changing the background of the every object manually, every time, including swapping text color between black and white. If Max could be setup to do this automatically, that would be wonderful.
If nothing of this type exists, I would like to frame this as a feature request.
Thanks for any help!
I have a patch with standard objects and I copy paste from there. Not as elegant, but one easy solution.
You could use the [universal] object with a message like "send receive sendbox color 0.8 0 0.2"
or
create a style then [universal] and "send someObject sendbox style myStyle"
The [universal]/style combo is not a bad idea, actually. I could create a general patch that can even be put in the extras menu and opened based on necessity. Although, come to think of it, this general patch with a single button that sends to all objects of type would be open all the time.
I spoke too soon, a quick test revealed to me that [universal] is only "universal" within a patch, not the entire Max environment. I guess it would have to be an abstraction, but with an inlet and outlet, to connect a button and the [universal] in every top level patcher... every time. Still cumbersome, but a faster alternative than opening the inspector for sure, so thanks!
I would say, if Max9 could include features to increase code readability, like coloring specific objects automatically based on preference, I would welcome that very much.
Another issue I have encountered with the [universal] idea is that [universal] cannot seem to target neither subpatchers nor abstractions (which, to me, are important to show that they are "special" and there is more code behind them). So I'm back to opening the inspector anyways...