# Ep.11 — Fast-Ref API (V2 · Markdown · Build a Simple Tool with AI)

https://youtu.be/AwROKyruO2I

> **One-liner**: Download the Fast-Ref **API V2** docs as Markdown, feed them to an AI, and call Fast-Ref from a script (or a tiny tool) without opening the Fast-Ref UI.

Docs: [API Reference — Fast-Ref](https://docs.otakusolutions.com/api/fast-ref)

---

## 1. What is an API?

| Term | Meaning | In Fast-Ref |
|------|---------|-------------|
| **UI** (User Interface) | Buttons and windows | Open the Fast-Ref window and click |
| **API** (Application Programming Interface) | Call the same features from a script | MAXScript Editor, language set to **Python** |

Riggers and TAs already know this. For animators and beginners: **you drive Fast-Ref with code instead of the window.**

In 3ds Max **MAXScript Editor**, switch the language to **Python**. The command list is the API page above.

There was a V1; this update is **V2**.

---

## 2. How to get the docs

1. OtakuSolutions site → **API Reference** → **Fast-Ref**.
2. Each page has **Download Markdown**.
3. Use **Download All** at the top to get every `.md` at once.

`.md` (Markdown) is a developer doc format — same job as Word, but **easier for AI to read.**  
Open it in **Typora**, or just Notepad.

---

## 3. Briefing with AI

Gemini / ChatGPT / Claude all work.

1. Attach the `*.md` files from the zip.
2. Gemini may cap how many files you can attach. In that case, upload only the **combined Fast-Ref API** document.
3. Example prompt: `Brief me on this API.` (any language is fine.)

The AI explains the layout and how to use it. That is why the download buttons exist.

---

## 4. Example — add Mable without the Fast-Ref window

You do not need to know Python. Ask the AI.

1. Example: `Make a simple tool that adds the Mable character without going through the Fast-Ref UI.`
2. Also tell it your **3ds Max version** (the video uses 2025).
3. The first script may run with no UI.  
   → `Change it to a UI with a button I can click.`
4. Run it in Max. If it errors, **copy the error text as-is** back to the AI.
5. Simple tools rarely work on the first try. **Go back and forth** until it does.
6. Click the button and confirm the reference loads **without** opening Fast-Ref.
7. In Fast-Ref, **Refresh** / check the slot. If **New File** and then API-load still works, you are done.  
   It does **not** depend on the Fast-Ref UI being open.

---

## 5. Why this matters

Every studio has a different taste and pipeline.  
If you mix the Fast-Ref API into your own tools, you keep Fast-Ref features under **your buttons and your flow**.

```
Download All API docs
    → Attach *.md to an AI
    → Ask for a briefing / a tiny tool (include Max version)
    → Paste errors back until it runs
    → Wire it into your pipeline tool
```