Maya Computer animation software

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Maya is also available as a part of Autodesk's See Media & Entertainment Collection.

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Maya® 3D animation, modeling, simulation, and rendering software provides an integrated, powerful toolset. Use it for animation, environments, motion graphics, virtual reality, and character creation.

If you need cutting edge animation, look no further than Maya. This software is used for all stages of creative simulation. This includes modeling, 3D animation, rendering, and simulation.

Who Is Maya For?

Maya is primarily used in the film, gaming, and advertising industries. It is for 3D modelers, animators, and virtual effects specialists. Any industry can benefit from using Maya, but individuals who primarily work in 3D and scene animations would find this especially beneficial.
While it may share similarities with other Autodesk applications, there are some key differences. Most notably is that Maya’s toolset is more appealing to animators. For a more in-depth look, take a look at the features and benefits below.

 

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Features and Benefits

Not just another animation software program. Maya is available by subscription from Autodesk. Signing up ensures that you always have the latest updates in animation technology.
New additions to the Maya software includes:

UV editor workflow

The UV editor UI got a face lift. Now you can view and edit UV texture coordinates within the editing workspace. You can also compare a 3D object to its 2D texture in the UV editor. Also included are better tools for improved function.

Interactive Grooming for Clump Modifier

Next, generating characters just got more realistic. The clump modifier allows you to create more natural looking fur and hair. It eliminates flow uniformity. And, it gives you the option to create secondary clumps or other hair effects.

Live Link for After Effect

Make changes in real time? No problem with After Effect. The live link allows you to see both scenes at the same time. And, when you edit in Maya you see the effects in real time in After Effects.

More MASH nodes

Need more MASH nodes? Maya delivers. Now you can go into World mode and arrange things in natural clusters. This is a great tool for environmental effects like flower bunches around trees.
And, if that wasn’t enough, Maya added 16 more MASH nodes in addition to the new World mode. You can also use nodes like Place that allows for point placements in different parts of a scene. This is a great tool for stage setting.

Additional Maya features are outlined in a brief overview below.

Motion graphics

3D Type

When you need to change options of your 3D text, this is the feature to use. Control the appearance and behavior of your fonts and text with a click of the mouse.

Vector Graphics Workflow Improvements

Control your options when you use SVG files in Maya. Change attributes when you import or use the copy and paste function.

Motion Graphics toolset

The toolset includes the SVG Tool, Type Tool, and MASH Toolkit. You can create different, unique animations for broadcasting and advertising. Additionally, small changes were made for improved productivity.
For example:
MASH has its own menu now. You can find it in the Animation and FX menus.
There are also improvements to channel handling. You don’t have to waste time applying nodes to specific channels. Now, all nodes affect all channels at the same time.

3D Animation

Parallel Rig Evaluation

A new Evaluation Manager increases the efficiency of playback and manipulation of character rigs. This new parallel evaluation system uses multiple available computing systems. This is an upgrade from the previous single system.

Geodesic Voxel Binding

Next, create better bound characters faster. Geodesic voxel binding works with meshes that contain irregular or multiple connected pieces. The algorithm for binding skin to the skeleton works with less problems and fuss.

Standard Animation Tools

Additionally, you get everything an animator needs in their toolbox. This includes: procedural, keyframe, and scripted animation.

Time Editor

And, you can create animation edits without destroying the original work. Simply clip and create the edit. This works in a non-linear fashion. So, it frees you up to work on different aspects of the world space.

Shape Authoring Workflow

This provides you with different tools for shape deformation tasks like facial expressions. You may also correct deformations by blending shapes on a skinned character.

3D Modeling

Enhanced Symmetry Modeling

Optimized and improved tools for symmetry and mirror enhancement make edits easier.

Sculpting Toolset Redone

Shaping has never been so intuitive. Artists can now create models more efficiently. And, Maya has done away with redundant tools.

Polygon Modeling

Next, create 3D models with geometric shapes. This software gives you the tools to make 3D models that are commonly used in interactive games, film, and the internet.

OpenSubdiv support

Developed by Pixar, this open-source method of subdivision lets you work with your model with greater speed and accuracy.

Dynamics and Effects

Deep Adaptive Fluid Simulation

This feature allows you to simulate and control spatial adaptivity. You get high-level details exactly where you need them to be.

XGen Experience Improved

Next, Maya gives you increased accuracy with volumetric 3D selection. This also increases your manipulation of the object.

Bifrost

Create simulated environmental effects like smoke, gas, and mist using Bifrost aero. Additionally, you can also create photorealistic liquids using the procedural effects platform in Bifrost. And, Bifrost’s ocean simulation system allows you to create waves, ripples, and other realistic ocean surfaces.

Bullet Physics

The Bullet plug-in allows you to render kinematic renderings. These types of animations are commonly used for film and animation. But, these types of renderings also have use in game engine stage setting and simulations.

nCloth

If you are having problems rendering realistic cloth animation, this is the feature for you. But, you can use nCloth beyond realistic cloth simulation. You can also use it for the following surfaces: shattering surfaces, inflating balloons, and deformable objects.

3D Rendering and Shading

Shading nodes

Shading complex scenes has never been easier with additional nodes. A new noise node has been added, as well as new math and utility nodes.

Hypershade Revamped

Next, Hypershade has a new look. It is also more artist friendly. A new UI and better workflow allows for better shading optimization by the user.

Arnold Integrated in Maya

Need to use Arnold for your project? Maya has you covered. It is in the software. View scene changes in real time using Arnold RenderView.

Pipeline Integration

Scripting and API

If you want to get the most out of your Maya program, utilize scripting. You can create Maya scripts. And, also write plug-ins.

Tools for Data and Scene Management

Keep track of your large data sets. Specialized workflows and tools help you manage heavy scenes. You can also organize objects and add notes.

Scene Assembly Tools

Lastly, if you want to create, edit, or view complex scenes without slowing down your workflow, use this feature. You can build a scene with Scene Assembly. And, it accelerates scene loading time without the problems you get when working with large data sets.

Why Should You Buy It?

Having Maya at your disposal is an absolute must if you are an animator. And, even more so if you work in the film, gaming, or advertising industry. With this program you can create and manipulate all your 3D animations.

Additionally, it also allows you to do all the basic tasks for modeling and rendering. You would also have the added benefit of optimized plug-ins such as Arnold to increase your workflow efficiency. And, reduce potential headaches.

Also, the use of innovative tools such as Bifrost can help create high-quality scenes. The details matter, especially in a computer-generated world. Creating realistic environments with these tools helps with scene immersion.

And, you can add scripting and plug-ins using the MEL script. So, if you want to change or optimize your program even more, you have the freedom to do so.

Subscription Benefits

Furthermore, you can obtain a subscription for just the Maya program. Or, you can get it as part of a collection with other Autodesk software. Whichever you choose, you will receive certain benefits.

Those benefits include frequent updates. This gives you better access to the latest technologies in animation. You also get improved customer support. You can resolve any issues that come up easily by phone, chat, email, or remote desktop assistance.

And, you can store your designs on the Autodesk drive. This makes sharing, storing, and previewing much easier with your team. Even on the road. Subscribers can access Maya at home, work, and wherever you may need to travel.

Lastly, Maya takes the guesswork out of creating high-quality 3D animations. Their state-of-the-art tools and plug-ins allow you to create efficiently. Without the headache of slow or redundant programing.

 

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