Customizing Operator SPDL Files
Custom operators may be represented by a SPDL file. This ASCII based file defines important information about the object, including the parameter list, ui layout and logic code. The SPDL files for these objects are very similar, but there are some small differences. For example a scripted operator SPDL file also contains connection information and often the actual implementation of the operator. This section describes the use of SPDL files for these objects in detail.
By changing the contents of the SPDL file, you can customize the look of the property pages by adding groups and tabs, enhance the default controls, and add logic to how each parameter works on the property page.
This section contains the following topics:
• Creating SPDL Files for Operators
• Editing and Saving the SPDL File
• Other Examples on softimage.com
Creating SPDL Files for Operators
For both scripted and compiled operators, use the Scripted Operator Editor to create the operator SPDL files. Create a sample scene with the elements that the operator will connect to, and use the Scripted Operator Editor to establish the connections. Then choose File > Save as SPDL to create the SPDL file.
Editing and Saving the SPDL File
For information about editing the SPDL file, see Help > XSI Guides > Customization > Custom and Proxy Parameters > SPDL-based Custom Parameter Sets.
Other Examples on softimage.com
There are a number of tutorials on the Softimage web site dealing with SPDL file manipulation:
• Customizing User Interfaces for Custom Parameter Sets (http://www.softimage.com/education/Xsi/SelfPacedLearning/Tutorials/webTutorials/XSI_3_0/PSETUIDemo/PSETUIDemo.htm) contains many examples of customizing both the layout and the controls on a property page.
• Adding Bitmaps to Custom Parameter Sets (http://www.softimage.com/education/Xsi/SelfPacedLearning/Tutorials/webTutorials/XSI_3_0/Bitmaps_Custom_Parmset/default.htm) shows how to use bitmaps in your property pages. Bitmaps can simply be displayed, or you can use them as controls.
• Developing a Particle Cloud Operator (http://www.softimage.com/education/Xsi/SelfPacedLearning/Tutorials/webTutorials/XSI_3_0/Particle_Clouds/default.htm) shows how a scripted operator file is edited.