Maya¶

Overview¶

The NVIDIA Omniverse™ Maya Connector Plug-In offers a robust toolkit for Maya Users to send and live sync their model data to an Omniverse Nucleus. This not only gives Maya users a first class renderer through Omniverse View or Omniverse Create but also the ability to open, edit and sync with any application supporting Omniverse Connect. Now, depending on the use case, Maya users can choose the workflows and pipelines that work best for their needs while maintaining up to date revisions for all downstream consumers of their work.

Package Files: Tutorial Package

Supported Versions¶

The Omniverse Maya connector supports the following versions of Maya.

Version	Windows	Linux CentoOS	Linux Ubuntu	USD Python Bindings	Arnold
2018.x	Yes	Yes	No	Python 2.7	6.0.3.0
2019.x	Yes	Yes	No	Python 2.7	6.0.3.0
2020.x	Yes	Yes	No	Python 2.7	6.0.3.0
2022	Yes	Yes	No	Python 2.7 & 3.0	6.2.0.1

Install Instructions¶

Please see Launcher Documentation for Installing Connectors.

User Interface¶

Signing-In¶

Once the plug-in is installed, users must sign into an Omniverse server. Users can do so from two places in the Maya plug-in:

Connections are made to Omniverse via the connection dialog.

Users can take 2 routs to the connection window. 1. From the Omniverse Main Menu drop-down users can go directly to the connect menu. 2. From the Omniverse Shelf you can quickly get to the connect menu.

Menu Items	Action
Username	Your Omniverse Username
Server Information	The address to your Omniverse Nucleus

Note

The server address field will store and auto-populate known recent servers.

After the NVIDIA Omniverse™ Maya Connector Plug-In has been loaded and signed in to, users can now Live Sync, Open Omniverse Nucleus / Local USD files, and Export USD files to your Omniverse Nucleus.

Main Menu¶

The Omniverse menu grants access to all the needed features of Omniverse Interaction.

Ref#	Menu Items	Action
1	Connectivity	Connect: Launches Sign-In dialog to connect user to Omniverse Disconnect: Breaks your connection with an Omniverse server
2	Export	Export All: Exports all exportable objects in the scene
3	Save USD	Saves the changes from the current Maya scene to the currently open USD file.
4	USD	Sub menu for USD file operations
5	Create Variant	Sets up a USD model variant
6	Settings	Settings related to the Omniverse Plugin
7	Help Menu	Grants access to Help Items

USD Menu¶

Ref#	Menu Items	Action
1	Open Recent	Lists recently opened USD assets
2	Open USD	Launches a File dialog that allows the user to navigate the contents of Omniverse and open USD files. Opens a USD file, clears the current Maya scene, loads the USD asset, and syncs.
3	Import USD	Imports USD Files from a Local/Network Drive Location. This collects materials to the location of the current USD file.
4	Connect USD	Connects an existing Native Maya file to an existing USD file on Omniverse. This allows a user to initiate a live connection without reexporting the USD.
5	Close USD	Closes the USD file and resets the Maya file to a new blank scene.

Help Menu¶

Ref#	Menu Items	Action
1	Maya Plug-In Documentation	Opens the doc for the Maya Plug-In
2	Get Support	Link to user forums and Omniverse Support
3	Release Notes	Link to Release Notes
4	About	Informs user of the version specific information of Maya Omniverse Plug-In

USD Export File Browser¶

Exporting files from Maya is done through the Export File Dialog.

Ref#	Menu Items	Action
1	Navigation	Breadcrumbs: Displays the path to the current directory or file the user has selected. Users can select any part of the existing path Add Folder: Adds a new folder in your current directory Search Bar: Contextual search Directory Browser: Directory list
2	Export Type Dropdown	Allows selection of Asset Type Prop: Standard Static Asset Prop Animation Clip: Simple translational Animations Skeletal Mesh: A mesh containing bones Skeletal Animation: A mesh containing boned animations Animated Point Cache: Animated “point clouds”
3	Export Options	Selects what to export All: Exports everything in the scene Select: Exports everything selected in the current scene Sets: Select sets in Maya can be used as an export selection type Default Prim: Sets the Default Prim of the exported USD, defaults to “World” Export Visible Only: Exports only visible nodes in combination with the current export selection Use Animation: Includes animation sequence in export Enabled: Will Export Animation from timeline Start Frame: First frame to be exported from the animation sequence End Frame: Last frame to include in the export Step: Allows skipping of frames, use 1 for all frames Normalize Skin Weights: Transforms the weights Include Instances : Defines how to handle Maya asset instances on export None: Do not export instances. On: Export the Maya scene with instances and maintain the scene hierarchy as is in Maya On with Hydra: Export the Maya scene with instance structure compatible with Hydra renderer. This may add extra xforms. Include MDL: Will include all mdls referenced in the file Default : Uses global core material path and copies custom materials to user defined directory. Include Dependencies : Copies all referenced materials to user defined directory. USD Preview Surface: Will generate a USD Preview Surface and bake textures for export. Include Cameras: Exports cameras in the scene. Include Lights: Exports supported lights. see note below. Up Axis: Allows control over facing direction. File Operations: Split into Multiple: Will export each first level node as a unique USD file Save Maya: Stores a copy of the Maya file on the Omniverse Nucleus
4	Processing	Pre Export Script MEL: Runs any scripted functions on scene prior to export. Post Export Script MEL: Runs any scripted functions on scene after to export.
5	Additional Exported Files	Lists all associated files included in the export
6	Checkpoint	Creates a checkpoint and optional description. ( for compatible servers only )
7	File information	File Name: The name you want the file to be. File Type: Lists available export types. (See Note Below) Export: Exports with chosen settings. Cancel: Cancels the Export

Note

You can export to USDA (Ascii) format by hard typing the extension .usda on export if exporting to a local drive (not an omniverse server).

Exporting With Maya¶

Open and Import USD Browsers¶

The open and import USD function allows users to open USD content directly into MAYA.

The import USD function allows users to import USD and merge it with the currently opened USD file.

Options¶

../_images/connect_maya_import-usd_dialogue.png

Ref #	Option	Result
1	Open Materials	Check to import materials. If Unchecked Materials will be ignored.
2	Prefer Material Type	Choose the render context for loading and displaying Materials in maMayaya. MDL: Imported materials will display using MDL. Preview Surface: Imported materials will display using USD Preview Surfaces.
3	Import Lights As	Choose how lights should be imported. Maya: Imported Lights will be converted to Maya Standard Lights. Arnold: Imported Lights will be converted to Maya Arnold Lights.
4	Object Name Collision	Choose what to do if there are naming conflicts with Imported Objects. Overwrite: Replace the existing object if in conflict. Skip: Keep the original and discard imported objects if name conflict exists. Modify: Adjusts names of imported object to avoid name conflicts.
5	Material Name Collision	Choose what to do if there are naming conflicts with Imported Objects. Overwrite: Replace existing materials if in conflict. Skip: Keep the original and discard imported materials if in conflict. Modify: Adjusts names of imported materials to avoid name conflict.

Omniverse Shelf¶

Added in 100.1

The Omniverse Shelf allows connectivity and quick access to important Omniverse Functions.

../_images/connect_maya_omniverse-panel_main.png

Ref#	Option	Result
1	Connect to Omniverse - Add Connection - Disconnect All	Connect to an Omniverse Nucleus Allows Additional Omniverse Servers to be added to your server connection list. Disconnects Maya from all connected Nucleus servers.
2	Open USD	Opens a USD file locally or on a Nucleus
3	Save USD	Save the current USD file.
4	Import USD	Imports a USD file into your current project.
5	Export USD - Export All - Export Selected	Exports current project file as a USD. Exports current project file as a USD. Exports the current selection of assets as a USD.
6	Share USD	Copies the location of the USD Files, if on nucleus, this link is shareable with other permitted nucleus users.
7	Live Sync - Live Sync All - Live Sync Excluding Materials - Link Maya to USD file	Enables real-time “live” editing. Enables real-time “live” editing. Enables real-time “live” editing but DOES NOT update materials. Links the currently opened scene with a USD file. See Using the Connect USD tool in Maya (Video) for more information.
8	Create Variants	Creates a USD Variant container. See USD Variants in Maya for details.
9	Plugin Settings	Opens the Omniverse Plugin Settings Panel. See Omniverse Settings for details.
10	Help	Links to this documentation.
11	About	Version and Technical Information about the Plugin.

Note

Connect, Export and Live Sync have additional options are in the right click menu.

Usage¶

Connect USD¶

If for any reason a Maya file becomes “detached” with its USD counterpart, it can be very convenient to simply reconnect your local Maya file to it’s Omniverse USD counterpart and begin live editing. This is where the Connect USD button comes in handy. Avoiding the need to re-Export, this can be very useful for large and imposing datasets however it requires BOTH the Local Maya file AND the Omniverse USD to be in parity.

Using the Connect USD tool in Maya (Video)¶

Omniverse Settings¶

The Omniverse Settings Panel allows access to some optional settings and features.

Ref#	Option	Result
1	Auto Sign In on Startup	Signs into previous omniverse connection automatically
2	Echo Feedback	Messages and alerts from a nucleus serverr will be reported in the script editor.
3	Object Export Path	Folder Name / Relative Path Option to allow customization of output organization. Used when exporting assets with the option “split into multiple files”.
4	Native Light Conversion Scale	Allows Native Maya light power to be adjusted upon conversion.
5	Arnold Light Conversion Scale	Allows Arnold Light power to be adjusted upon conversion.
6	Destination MDL path	If un-altered (blank by default) the Destination path will always be the location of the exported USD file. You can however “hard-code” a common directory where you want ALL exported USD’s to store their MDLs.
7	Material Template Search Paths:	If you or your organization have created specialized BASE MDLs, you can select their paths here.
8	Material Collection Search Paths:	If you or your organization has created Variants based on BASE MDLs you can select their locations here.

USD Variants in Maya¶

Maya variants allow for users to create and store variations for a given asset. This can be a very useful tool just in the context of Maya, but when brought to the omniverse can be leveraged in Apps such as View, Create and others.

Creating Variants in Maya¶

Open the Omniverse Panel or Omniverse Shelf to reveal Create Variants button.

../_images/connect_maya_menu-variants.png

Next, Select a name for the variant.

../_images/connect_maya_variants_create-name.png

Note

Variant names should not contain spaces or special characters.

Once accepted, the variant container is created and its properties can be found in the properties panel. Notice the variants list is empty.

../_images/connect_maya_variants_objects-add.png

Now use the + icon above the variants list and select any objects or object hierarchies you want to be included as variants. If you make a mistake or wish to remove an object, use the X button remove a selection from the list.

../_images/connect_maya_variants_pick-objects.png

Once complete, simply select a variant on the list to auto-hide non-selected variants on your list.

../_images/connect_maya_variants_select-variants.png

Exporting Variants¶

Once created, USD variants are part of the USD schema and are automatically included when exported to the Omniverse. See instructions within the Omniverse App you are using for instructions on how to exploit variants within the Omniverse.

Materials¶

Understanding MDLs¶

When working with the Omniverse, MDL’s are our shader descriptions. Several come pre-installed with your server and will auto-populate upon connecting however there are some specific things to understand about how Maya and MDL interact.

The object format for Omniverse is Pixar’s USD format. For more information on USD, see documentation here: Introduction to USD

MDLs cannot be directly edited in Maya (but can be created, added to your server and made available in Maya)

MDL materials have basic distilling for rendering into the Maya viewport however for true material feedback and rendering, view the asset in Omniverse Create.

MDL Settings in Maya¶

Working with MDLs is an important part of working on the Omniverse as MDL is the language used to describe shaders to Nucleus, Create and all Omniverse Connect tools. Luckily many/most users will not need to adjust the settings as they will typically find the BASE MDLs that come pre-installed with Omniverse are robust enough to handle 95% of all materials in the real word. However if you have special workflows, are interested in creating specialized shaders or have pre-configured collections you wish to use, the settings panel allows you the ability to adjust some of the ways we can find, use and implement MDL technology.

For more information and access to these settings, please see Omniverse Settings

Templates and Collections¶

The distinction between a template and a collection is purely semantic. There is no technical difference as they are both a location where MDLs are stored. The distinction is only meant for organization in the Hypershade panel. You should try to adhere to this distinction however because it does in fact offer a bit of convenience to users.

Templates: These are BASE MDLs (Omniverse Shaders) that are either custom or are pre-installed on your Omniverse server. For example, Omni-PBR is a BASE MDL or Template. This BASE MDL can then be used to create a variety of materials like Red Metal, Black Plastic, Copper, Steel, etc.

Collections: Collections are generally created from BASE MDLs and are explicit variants or a BASE MDL. For example a user may wish to have a collection of pre-configured MDLs based on Omni-PBR like Red Metal, Black Plastic, Copper or Steel. The explicit variants can then be stored in a directory and are then considered a “Collection”.

Connecting MDL Templates and MDL Collections¶

MDL templates and collection search paths are simply locations where MDLs are stored on your Omniverse server. If you have access to or have created MDL templates/collections you can specify their paths to grant access to them in the Maya Hypershade Panel. You can designate these paths in Maya under Omniverse > Settings. You can add the paths by selecting the + button next to their respective headings and locating the directories on your Omniverse Nucleus.

Loading External MDL Templates and Collections (Video)¶

MDLs and The Hypershade¶

The Maya Hypershade Panel will be updated with MDL Materials installed with the Connector. From here you can choose from a variety of MDL material types to assign to you objects.

MDL Material Tab
MDL Material List

Select the MDL Tab to Reveal the MDL Material List.
Select the MDL Material Template.
Assign a Name for the Material
Once Created, the material will be displayed in the Scene Material List.
Graph will show the Material and properties can be edited as a normal material in Maya.

Selecting an MDL Material will allow you to edit the properties in the properties Panel like any other material in Maya.

Note

The structure of MDL materials can not be edited in Maya. They can however be created in Substance Designer or Hand Coded and added to your Omniverse Nucleus where they will populate your Maya Hypershade Panel.

Exporting MDLs to the Omniverse¶

There are 2 methods available to export your MDLs to the Omniverse.

Include MDL’s when Sending Model Data¶

The most common way to send MDLs is with your model data. Any MDL attached to a mesh can be automatically exported when you export, enable “Include MDL Files” in the export/sync dialogue. Materials are always included with Live workflow or Save USD.

Send MDLs Without Model Data¶

Users can send their MDLs directly to the Omniverse without sending model data if they choose.

Open the Hypershade Panel and locate an Omniverse MDL material.

Right Click on Any Omniverse MDL Material. Choose “Export MDL”

In the resulting File Browser, choose where you would like your MDL to be stored.

Once stored, this MDL can be applied in Omniverse Create, Omniverse View and other Omniverse Applications.

UDIM Materials¶

Added 2020.1 UDIM materials are supported through the use of a <UDIM> token in a standard UDIM material sequence name (ie: my_mat_name.0001.jpg)

This sequence <UDIM> token can be put into any Omniverse Material Texture Input slot (ie: OmniPBR, OmniGlass etc.)

Simply replace the number with <UDIM>

Note

If you want to expedite this process, the small button to the right of the file input can be used on any UDIM formatted material and it will auto insert the <UDIM> tag into your sequence.

Live Sync¶

Maya can live sync with Omniverse.

To live sync with Maya, turn on the Live toggle in on Omniverse shelf. When live sync session is enabled changed to the scene in Maya are are sent to Omniverse as well as receives changes to the file from Omniverse.

When Live syncing a file, the most recent settings on the Export panel are honored. For example, if you had cameras and light toggled off and then then toggled on live sync with a usd file that has cameras and lights, then cameras and lights would not subscribe to live sync.

Note

Live is disabled if the target USD has animation or a different up axis than the Maya file.

Maya Live Sync with Skeletal Mesh¶

Rendering¶

Arnold - Scenes from Omniverse can be rendered with the Arnold renderer in cpu mode.

Note

Known Limitation - Arnold rendering is not supported with Arnold in gpu mode.

Scripting¶

USD Python Binding¶

USD Python Bindings are available with the installation of the Maya Omniverse Connector.

Known Limitation - Other USD plugins must be uninstalled for this to work.

Maya Plugin Script APIs¶

Loading the Plugin¶

Besides loading the Maya Omniverse plugin via the Plugin manager dialog, users can also load the plugin via this script.

loadPlugin "OmniverseMayaLoader.mll"

Connect to an Omniverse Server¶

Check Connection Status¶

int $nvConnect = `optionVar -q omniverse_connection_state`;

The omniverse_connection_state is a Maya option variable. You can remove it with the following command.

optionVar -remove omniverse_connection_state;

And you can modify it with this command

optionVar -iv omniverse_connection_state 1;

Note

Generally speaking, Users should use string or integer types for option variables as Maya does not use boolean variables.

OmniExtraCmd - clientLogLevel 0;

- Debug
- Verbose
- Inform
- Warning
- Error

Set User Name and Log in¶

To make sure that you log in to right server you can call the following script command step by step.

Set up user name:

optionVar -sv "omniverse_user_name_var" dduka;

Set up available servers¶

Creates a list of servers to connect to.

optionVar -sv omniverse_server_urls "localhost:3009;my-server:1234;my-other-server:4321"

Set Up Current Server¶

Set’s up the server you wish to log-in to.

optionVar -sw omniverse_server_url "my-server:1234";

Inform C++ Plugin¶

Script command to make the C++ plugin get the above information.

OmniConfigCmd;

Connect to Server¶

Makes the connection to an Omniverse Nucleus Server.

OmniConnectionCmd true;

Update Status¶

Make the relative UI showing correct status after log-in.

nvOmniUpdateConnectionMenu();
nvOmniUpdateConnectionUI();

Export USD¶

Export a USD to Omniverse

OmniExportCmd -file "/Example/Users/aatest/tt.usd";

Note

there is a prefix “/Omniverse” with the URL.

Setting up Export Mode types¶

Optional variables control how you export a scene. As an export can take form in various ways, you need turn on/off some variables before calling the export command.

Prop¶

optionVar -iv omniverse_export_objecttype 1;

Skeletal Mesh¶

optionVar -iv omniverse_export_objecttype 2;

Point Cache¶

optionVar -iv omniverse_export_objecttype 3;

Set Export Collection Types

Export/Live-Sync All¶

optionVar -iv omniverse_export_collectiontype 1;

Export/Live-Sync Selected¶

optionVar -iv omniverse_export_collectiontype 2;

Export/Live-Sync Visible¶

optionVar -iv omniverse_export_collectiontype 3;

Always Export GeomSubsets¶

optionVar -iv omni_always_export_geosubset 0;
optionVar -iv omni_always_export_geosubset 1;

Other exporting options:¶

Turn on “Use Animation”¶

optionVar -iv omniverse_export_useanimation 1;

Set Animation Start-Frame¶

optionVar -iv omniverse_export_ani_start 1;

Set Animation End-Frame¶

optionVar -iv omniverse_export_ani_end 200;

Set Animation step¶

optionVar -iv omniverse_export_ani_stride 1;

Normalize Skin Weights¶

optionVar -iv omniverse_export_normalizeskinweights 1;

Bake Skin Bind position¶

optionVar -iv omniverse_skin_use_finalmesh  0;

Include MDL¶

optionVar -iv omniverse_export_includemdl 1;

Embedded MDL option¶

optionVar -iv omniverse_embed_materials 1;

Include Cameras¶

optionVar -iv omniverse_export_includecamera 1;

Include Lights¶

optionVar -iv omniverse_export_includelight 1;

Live Sync¶

For Live Sync, it cannot work with USD Animation on. So, you need run two script commands to turn it on.

optionVar -iv omniverse_export_useanimation 0; // turn off Use Animation

optionVar -iv omniverse_export_livesync 1; // turn on Live Sync

nvOmniUpdateConnectionUI(); // this is optional. But if you want to see right Live Sync checkbox status, you need call it.

Import USD¶

Imports a USD file on Omniverse

OmniImportCmd -file "/Omniverse/Users/aatest/tt.usd";

Note

there is a prefix “/Omniverse” to the URL.

List Command¶

List Command can be used to list the files and sub-folders in an Omniverse folder. The return value of this command is a string array which has data grouped by 3.

string $ffs[] = `OmniListCmd -la "/Omniverse/Users/aatest/"`;

Note

the string should end with ‘/’ as well as starts with the prefix ‘/Omniverse

Show File/Folder Name¶

Shows each folder/file full name

int $m = 0; for($m = 0; $m < 3; $m++) { int $idx = $m * 3; print ($ffs[$idx] + "\n");}

Show Folder/File Modify Date¶

int $m = 0; for($m = 0; $m < 3; $m++) { int $idx = $m * 3 + 1; print ($ffs[$idx] + "\n");}

Show Each Folder/File Author¶

int $m = 0; for($m = 0; $m < 3; $m++) { int $idx = $m * 3 + 2; print ($ffs[$idx] + "\n");}

Cache¶

Check Cache Status¶

maya.cmds.optionVar(q='OmniAuth_enableCaching')

Enable Caching¶

maya.mel.eval('OmniEnableCachingCmd -enable 1')

Plug-in Load Time¶

maya.mel.eval('OmniExtaCmd -tl')

t = maya.cmds.OmniExtaCmd(tl=True)
print t

MDL Materials¶

Python Scripts relating to MDLs

List MDL Materials¶

Python Script to show all of MDL materials

import maya.cmds as cmds
mdls = cmds.mdlShaderCmd(q=True,listHyperShadeItems=True)
for module in mdls:
    print module

Result

[u'adobe::annotations',
u'adobe::convert',
u'adobe::mtl',
......
u'Users::kkantiev::Hardskin_Test::t1OmniPbrTest',
u'Users::lileo::Maya::initialShadingGroup_lambert',
u'Users::lileo::Maya::lambert1']

Alternative List MDL¶

mdls = cmds.mdlShaderCmd(q=True,listHyperShadeItems=True)

Result .. code-block:: python

[u’L/Library/MDL/Base/OmniGlass/OmniGlass’, u’L/Library/MDL/Base/OmniPBR/OmniPBR’, u’L/Library/MDL/Base/OmniPBR_Opacity/OmniPBR_Opacity’]

Upgrade MDL Materials¶

Note

This feature will be deprecated in upcomming releases as it is not needed any longer. This tool specifically addresses a material change that was done from 2019.2 to 2019.3. The menu entry has been removed, however is still available as a MEL script command if needed.

nvOmniMenuUpgradeMaterials_command().

Record Time¶

Record Time of Server Connect and Load¶

maya.cmds.timer(s=True);
maya.mel.eval('optionVar -sv "omniverse_user_name_var" "my-user-name"')
maya.mel.eval('optionVar -sv "omniverse_server_url" "my-server:1234"')
maya.mel.eval('nvOmniMainConnectivity')
t = maya.cmds.timer(e=True);
print t

Record time to load templates¶

maya.cmds.timer(s=True);
maya.mel.eval('optionVar -sv "Omniverse_Library_Materials_Templates_SearchPaths" "/Omniverse/Library/Materials/Templates;"')
maya.mel.eval('syncMDLSearchPath')
t = maya.cmds.timer(e=True);
print t

Record time to load Collection¶

Collection Path is supported the same way as template path in plugin. So, there is should be no difference. But adding more path should cost more time.

maya.cmds.timer(s=True);
maya.mel.eval('optionVar -sv "Omniverse_Library_Materials_Collections_SearchPaths" "/Omniverse/Users/aatest/ani;"')
maya.mel.eval('syncMDLSearchPath')
t = maya.cmds.timer(e=True);
print t

Pick one file name¶

User may want to pick and get a file name without exporting or importing a USD. Here the things to do. You need define a mel function nvOmniPickCallback in which you define what you do with the file name. Now you can call mel function nvOmniPickAFile() to start the file pick dialog. Once you pick a file and close the dialog, nvOmniPickCallback is called.

global proc nvOmniPickCallback(string $filename)
{
   print("nvOmniPickCallback " + $filename + "\n");
}

nvOmniPickCallback is read only. You may want to export a new USD. Then you can call nvOmniAddAFile(). And you also need define a call back function, nvOmniAddAFileCallback, to handle the file name.

global proc nvOmniAddAFileCallback(string $filename)
{
   print("nvOmniAddAFileCallback " + $filename + "\n");
   OmniExportCmd -file $filename;
}

Loading the Plug-In¶

Once the Maya Omniverse Plug-In is installed, navigate to the Plug-in Manager.

(Windows > Settings/Preferences > Plug-in Manager)

Look for OmniverseMayaLoader.mll and load/verify the plug-in is loaded/working. Select auto load if Maya should load this plug-in automatically.

Supported & Unsupported Features¶

Supported Features¶

USD¶

Geometry
- Static Meshes
- Skeletal Meshes (usdSkel)
- Animation
- Point Cache
Lights
- Maya Native Lights
- Arnold Lights
Cameras
- Maya Native Cameras
Materials
- MDL render context
- USD Preview Surface render context
Instances
Model Variants

Other¶

Open, Import, and Export USD files
Save USD only saves the delta from the last state of the USD file, preserving the unchanged parts of the USD.
Live Mode
- Live Transforms
- Live Edit Mesh
- Cameras edits
- Lights edits for supported types
- Materials
Animation
- Pose Live: Pose a usdSkel while working in live mode.

Unsupported Features¶

USD¶

Load an animation clip only onto an existing open usd file
USD Layer control
USD Blend-Shape is limited support
Payloads
Scope Nodes
Opening USD Point instance is not supported yet

Materials¶

Most common native materials are supported on export via Universal Material Map, however, not all material have targets.
MDL node editing is not supportedS

General¶

Configurable Export paths

Release Notes¶

Maya Connect Version 102.2.3¶

Add Client Log Level script command OmniExtraCmd - clientLogLevel
Add Upload & download status to log file
Fixed bug exporting OmniSurface Preset materials
Fixed Crash on Marbles scene
Fixed OM-29272 Reexport of an existing USD broke some materials
Fixed OM-30555 Live object move with Variant caused duplicate
Fixed OM-34879 fix and set plug registration for Linux
Fixed OM-35172 UDIMs do not export for specific file
Fixed OM-35381 Variants has unexpected behavior on Export and Live
Fixed OM-35396 Export selected have wrong skeletal errors
Fixed OM-35428 Linux Connector won’t load USD Preview Surface
Fixed OM-30555 Live object moved caused undesired duplicate
Fixed OM-34558 Variant Crashed on Export
Fixed OM-34934 Exported incorrect inbetween blendshapes
Fixed OM-35381 Variant had incorrect visibility
Fixed OM-35462 Linux MDL templates and collections fail to load
Fixed OM-35546 CentOS MDLs fail to export to disc
Fixed OM-35548 CentOS MDLs are not immediately visible in Hypershade
Fixed OM-35956 Materials don’t load from Blender export
Fixed OM-36009 stage hierarchy wrong on load
Fixed OM-36520 Save USD didn’t save upaxis change
Fixed OM-36559 UV’s are broken for some assets
Fixed OM-36066 Export Selected Exported ALL material
Fixed OM-36070 Live object move doesn’t submit to server
Improved Export Selected with type Skel Mesh - Now selecting a bound mesh will automatically pick up the joints, eliminating the need to select the joints manually
Improved Animation Clip export by removing unused options
Improved support for the Create MDL Graph
Updated UMM and license
Updated test cases
Updated Client Library and Client Wait call
Updated Core material Library

Maya Connect Version 102.1¶

Added Maya 2022 support. Must unload other USD plugs first.
Added Arnold 6.2 support for Maya 2020 / 2022
Added auto skel root generation for files that don’t meet usdSkel requirements
Added scripted export options for Skin bind position.
Added USD Python Bindings, using Python 2.7, + USD 3 for Maya 2022. ( Other usd plug ins must be completely uninstalled to not have a conflict)
Added initial support for materials created by Create Material Editor / USD Shade
Added Checkpoint support ( replaced Snapshots), for supported servers
Added OmniSurface materials to Core MDL materials
Improved Material Export support
Improved instance Export
Improved Live Sync
Improved resolving default prims on import USD
Improved icons on the Omniverse Shelf
Fixed animation transforms if animation is exported at a different up axis than the source.
Fixed an Omniverse Connection issue
Fixed Default Prim when export a Prop Animation Clip
Fixed a variety of Windows and Linux specific Bugs
Changed Export Option - Normalize Skin removed from UI and default to on. Script command available to control it.
Changed Export Option - Embedded MDL removed from UI and default to on. Script command available to control it.

Maya Connect Version 101.1¶

Added - Universal Material Map framework for exporting native Maya material to MDL
Various bug fixes
Updated client library and core material library

Maya Connect Version 100.3.0¶

Added - When Glass material is applied to objects, USD is written with a flag for it to not cast shadows when loaded in Create/View
Fixed - Bug where Live sync could cause incorrect light properties or double lights in some case
Fixed - Bug where not all Live material changes were received in Maya
Fixed - Bug where viewport would not update in some cases until MDL attributes were touched
Improved Plug in Installation
Improved loading of samples

Maya Connect Version 100.2.1¶

Updated Client Library

Maya Connect Version 100.1.26¶

Save USD - Save the delta of the open USD file
Import USD - Merges usd files together
USD Preview Surface - Improved by opening USD preview Surface via render context on Open USD
Model Variants Added
Replaced Omniverse Panel with Omniverse Shelf
Moved documents storage to Users/Omniverse/Maya. previously was Usersr/.omniverse/Maya
Improved Instance handling - Can now write out instances based on Hydra compatibility or not
Optimize texture uploading
Support USD files with indexed normals
Upgrade Client Library
Upgrade Core materials

2020.2.2 Hotfix¶

Client Library Updated
- Fixed a bug that would sometimes (very rarely) cause data loss.

2020.2 Hotfix¶

Client Library Updated
- Fixed a bug that would sometimes (very rarely) cause data loss if you got a disconnect while uploading a file.
- Fixed a bug that would fail to download a file if it was an exact multiple of 1MB
Fix to some live mode bugs caused by generating dif on usd open
New sign in dialog removes username field

2020.2 Point Release¶

File Support¶

Export local files with native Maya file browser

Animation¶

Skin Bind improvements

Animation curve filtering improvements on USD Open

Materials¶

Material stability improvements

Render MDL with UDIM in Maya viewport

Updated Omniverse Core Materials

Export MDL Materials from hypershade as .mdl

Lighting¶

Exposed Light conversion algorithm

Other¶

Set mel script functions on Pre and Post export

Customize Default Prim on Export

Export Visible option improved

2020.1 Point Release¶

General¶

Performance improvements

General UX improvements

Support for Omniverse read only Mounts

Materials¶

Upgraded MDL handling. This is a breaking change for files authored in older versions of the plug in. This change allows materials to be saved into the Maya file offline and allows for cleaner forward looking upgrades. uisers of old file can upgrade their materials from the main menu/Omniverse/Upgrade Materials

MDL materials can be embedded inside USD files eliminating floating mdl files as an option.

Bug fixes¶

A variety of bug fixes with materials to enable a more robust experience

UDIM export/import for Omniverse materials. Known limitation these will not render in Maya viewport.

Improved USD Preview Surface handling

Sub Divided Surface support with creasing

Arnold CPU support for Maya 2020

Animation¶

Animations clips exported as overs

Soup morph target support, if Soup is also installed

Lights¶

Arnold Sky Light support

Exposed Light conversion scale in settings

New namespace handling options

Release 2019.2¶

General¶

Supported versions of Maya

Windows

Maya 2018.0, 2018.3, 2018.4, 2018.5

Maya 2019.0

Linux CentOS 7

Maya 2018.3

Maya 2019.0

Polished up UX with more meaningful naming for export types and options

Export options moved to Export browser, this are initiated by export from menu and Omniverse Panel

Omniverse snapshot on Export.

Snapshots can be filled in on export from Maya through the export panel.

Supports exporting to Y and Z up axis.

Namespaces are stripped on USD export,

�:� are replaced by _�

Maya Cache is moved to users…/.omniverse/Maya

Display folders in Omniverse file browsers

Added USD file options to Omniverse Panel

Added Settings Panel

Enable cache moved here.

Informs users of mdl search paths

Materials and MDL¶

Material Type change menu added

Maya native materials are mapped to OmniBasic.mdl on export

Load USD files with material assignments from Ov servers

Textures are not downloaded from Omniverse on demand, previously they were all downloaded upfront

MDL warning moved to script editor instead of pop up window

Material attribute changes, Live out is supported

Export option for MDL absolute/relative

Copy MDL template to location

Live¶

Support scrubbing the timeline for live update

Material assignment changes

Material value changes

Camera(See below)

Lights (See below)

USD Skel joint poses (See below)

Light Support¶

Lights are mapped to USD Lux lights.

Native Area, Spot, Point, and Directional lights are supported.

Arnold Area Light is supported.

Exported Lights map to USD Lux light and can be opened in Create.

Imported Lights - when opening a USD Stage, supported lights are mapped to Maya /Arnold Lights

Area Light is determined by preference on settings panel.

Live Sync is bi-directional for transform and supported attributes. In Maya male sure Live and include Lights is enabled.

Camera Support¶

Cameras are mapped to USD cameras

With the exception of Perspective, and Orthographic cameras, these are not synced

Import and Export of camera attributes that are supported

Live Sync is bi-directional for transform and supported attributes. In Maya male sure Live and include cameras is enabled.

USD Skel Export Support¶

Skeletal Mesh export type option is of USDskel.

Checks if scene is set up and compatible with USD Skel

Normalize Skin Weights for USDSkel added

Animation export

Live Skel pose update

Local Workflow¶

Local USD

Open Local USD

Save to Local Drive

Limitation - Materials still require being connected to server.

Local MDL

Hypershade import an mdl from you local disk to Hypershade

Limitation - Exported materials based off this will not work on server because template is being copied to server. Therefore feature might be pulled from release if the follow up stories don’t pan out.

Roadmap¶

Future features we are currently thinking about are as follows and in no particular order.

Payloads

Improved Light support

Refined collaboration with other Omniverse Tools

Python pre and post script support

File meta data

Refine Animation toolset and support