Custom startup for Maya/Max/Nuke/Houdini

An introduction of how to starting and setting up software (Maya, Nuke, Houdini ...) with specific customization and setup for your personal or project needs. Creating batch files and using batch commands to start a chain of events to set up your software.

• Customizing Startup Settings: Demonstrates how to up software like Maya, Houdini, and Nuke with specific versions, scripts, plugins, and paths.

• Scripting and Batch Files: Focuses on using batch files and commands to configure software and increase efficiency.

• Environment Variables: Teaches how to manipulate environment variables for streamlined project setup.

• Project-Specific Paths: Provides guidance on setting paths for projects, plugins, images, and customizing software for team uniformity.

• Personalizing Software Interface: Shows how to customize software interfaces, including splash screens and menu additions, for individual and team use.

Watch the FULL video:

Here is an example of a maya.bat file:

@echo off
:: MAYA

set "MAYA_VERSION=2023"
set "MAYA_PATH=C:/Program Files/Autodesk/Maya%MAYA_VERSION%"

:: --- PATH ---
set "PROJECT_ROOT=C:/project"

set "PIPELINE_PATH=%PROJECT_ROOT%/10_pipeline"
set "PLUGINS_PATH=%SOFTWARE_PATH%/plugins"
set "IMG_PATH=%PIPELINE_PATH%/img/software/maya"
set "SOFTWARE_PATH=%PIPELINE_PATH%/software/maya"


:: --- Python ---
set "PYTHONPATH=%PIPELINE_PATH%;%PYTHONPATH%"
set "PYTHONPATH=%SOFTWARE_PATH%;%PYTHONPATH%"


:: --- PLUGIN ---
set "MAYA_PLUG_IN_PATH=%PLUGINS_PATH%;%MAYA_PLUG_IN_PATH%"

:: --- SHELF ---
set "MAYA_SHELF_PATH=%SOFTWARE_PATH%/shelf;%MAYA_SHELF_PATH%"


:: --- DISABLE REPORT ---
set "MAYA_DISABLE_CIP=1"
set "MAYA_DISABLE_CER=1"

:: --- SPLASHSCREEN ---
:: File: MayaEDUStartupImage.png
set "XBMLANGPATH=%IMG_PATH%;%XBMLANGPATH%"


:: --- CALL MAYA ---
set "PATH=%MAYA_PATH%/bin;%PATH%"

if "%1"=="" (
  start "" "%MAYA_PATH%\bin\maya.exe"
) else (
  start "" "%MAYA_PATH%\bin\maya.exe" -file "%1"
)

exit

Learn more by joinging our Python for Visual Effects Cohort.

---

I'm Alexander, an Award-Winning Technical Director & Coach in Visual Effects, Animation and Games. My skills are solving technical problems, simplifying workflows and mentoring career goals.

For more check out our exciting TD Bootcamp, 21 Artist Show Podcast and YouTube channel.