Autodesk Maya: Difference between revisions

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			{{Short description\|3D computer graphics software}}
	{{Cleanup\|date=March 2008}}
			{{Infobox software
			\| name = Autodesk Maya
			\| logo = Autodesk Maya logo.svg
			\| logo_size = 200px
			\| screenshot = File:Autodesk Maya Screenshot.jpg
			\| collapsible =
			\| author = ]
			\| developer = ]
			\| released = {{Start date and age\|1998\|02\|01}}
			\| discontinued =
			\| latest release version = 2025.3<ref></ref>
			\| latest release date = {{Start date and age\|2024\|10}}
			\| programming language = ],<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.stroustrup.com/applications.html\|title=C++ Applications\|work=stroustrup.com\|access-date=December 16, 2016}}</ref> ], ],<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://cgkit.sourceforge.net/maya_tutorials/intro/\|title=Python/Maya: Introductory tutorial\|first=Matthias\|last=Baas\|date=May 8, 2006\|access-date=December 10, 2010\|publisher=cgkit.sourceforge.net\| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101115013603/http://cgkit.sourceforge.net/maya_tutorials/intro/\| archive-date= November 15, 2010 \| url-status= live}}</ref> ]
			\| operating system = {{unbulleted list\|]/] 8.6\|] or later\|] or later<ref></ref>}}
			\| platform = ], ]
			\| size =
			\| language = English, Japanese, Simplified Chinese
			\| genre = ]
			\| license = ]
			\| website = {{URL\|https://www.autodesk.com/products/maya/overview}}
			}}
			'''Autodesk Maya''', commonly shortened to just '''Maya''' ({{IPAc-en\|ˈ\|m\|aɪ\|ə}}; {{respell\|MY\|ə}}<ref>{{cite web\|title=Maya 2017 Overview\|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1M4t73L4EE\| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211117/_1M4t73L4EE\| archive-date=2021-11-17 \| url-status=live\|access-date=May 18, 2018\|website=]\| date=26 July 2016 \|publisher=Autodesk}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|title=Maya LT 2018 – Overview\|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DF6LJUJ9fxk\| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211117/DF6LJUJ9fxk\| archive-date=2021-11-17 \| url-status=live\|access-date=May 18, 2018\|website=]\| date=31 August 2017 \|publisher=Autodesk}}{{cbignore}}</ref>), is a ] that runs on ], ], and ], originally developed by ] and currently owned and developed by ]. It is used to create ] for interactive 3D applications (including video games), animated films, TV series, and ]s.

			==History==
	{{dablink\|For other uses, see ]}}
			Maya was originally an animation product based on ] from ] by ], Thomson Digital Image (TDI) Explore, ] by Alias, and ''Alias Sketch!''. The ]-based projects were combined and animation features were added; the project codename was Maya.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.mayabooks.org/ \|title=History \|access-date=December 11, 2010 \|publisher=Maya books \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101125035450/http://www.mayabooks.org/ \|archive-date=November 25, 2010 }}</ref> ] collaborated closely with Maya's development during its production of '']''.<ref name="micro">{{cite journal\|last=Muwanguzi\|first=Michael J\|date=July 1, 2010\|title=Maya 2011\|url=http://www.microfilmmaker.com/reviews/Issue56/Maya11_1.html\|url-status=dead\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720201920/http://www.microfilmmaker.com/reviews/Issue56/Maya11_1.html\|archive-date=July 20, 2011\|access-date=December 11, 2010\|format=Software Review\|journal=Microfilmmaker Magazine}}</ref> Disney requested that the ] of the application be customizable to allow for a personalized workflow. This was a particular influence in the ] of Maya, and partly responsible for its popularity in the animation industry.

			After ] had acquired both Alias and ], Inc. in 1995, Wavefront's technology (then under development) was merged into Maya.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-02-08-fi-29352-story.html\|title=THE CUTTING EDGE : A New Dimension : Silicon Graphics to Buy Two 3-D Software Firms\|website=] \|date=8 February 1995 }}</ref> SGI's acquisition was a response to ] acquiring ] in 1994.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/02/15/business/company-news-an-acquisition-by-microsoft.html\|title=COMPANY NEWS; An Acquisition By Microsoft\|website=] }}</ref> The new wholly-owned ] was named "Alias<math>\|</math>Wavefront".<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.design-engine.com/alias/history.html \|work=Alias \|title=Wavefront Discontinued Products and Brands \|date=December 13, 2002 \|first=Sam \|last=Weisbard \|access-date=December 10, 2010 \|publisher=Design engine \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090822040628/http://www.design-engine.com/alias/history.html \|archive-date=August 22, 2009 \|url-status=dead }}</ref>
	{{Infobox Software \|
	name = Autodesk Maya\|
	logo=] \|
	screenshot = ]\|
	caption = screenshot of Autodesk Maya 2009 Unlimited running on ] \|
	developer = ], now owned by ] \|
	latest_release_version = 2009 (10.0) \|
	latest_release_date = October 06, 2008 \|
	operating_system = ], ], ] \|
	genre = ] \|
	commercial = yes \|
	license = ] \|
	website = }}
	'''Autodesk Maya''', or simply '''Maya''' (a ] word for "illusion", see ]), is a high-end ] and ] software package originally developed by ], but now owned by ] as part of the ] division. Autodesk acquired the software in October 2005 upon purchasing Alias. Maya is used in the ] and ], as well as for ], architectural visualisation and design.

			In the early days of development Maya started with ] as the ], in order to leverage its similarity to a ] ] language, but after the merger with Wavefront it was replaced with ] (MEL). Sophia, the scripting language in Wavefront's ], was chosen as the basis of MEL.<ref>{{citation \| title = In silico: 3D animation and simulation of cell biology with Maya and MEL\| last1 = Sharpe \|first1 = Jason \| first2 = Charles J \| last2 = Lumsden \| first3 = Nicholas \| last3 = Woolridge \| year= 2008\| publisher= Morgan Kaufmann Martin \| page= 263\| isbn = 978-0-12-373655-0}}</ref>
	In 2003, Maya (then owned by Alias\|Wavefront) won an Academy Award "for scientific and technical achievement", citing use "on nearly every feature using 3-D computer-generated images."<ref>{{cite web\|title=Scientific and Technical Achievements Honored with Academy Awards\|url=http://www.oscars.org/press/pressreleases/2003/03.01.06.html\|date=2003-01-06\|accessdate=2009-10-01}}</ref>

			Maya 1.0 was released in February 1998. Following a series of acquisitions, Maya was bought by Autodesk in October 2005.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/autodesk-buys-alias/1030610.article\|title=Autodesk buys Alias}}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|url = http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/item?siteID=123112&id=5983502&linkID=14271593 \|title = Autodesk Signs Definitive Agreement to Acquire Alias \|access-date = October 23, 2015 \|date = October 4, 2005 \|author = Autodesk \|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160110190511/http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/item?linkID=14271593&id=5983502&siteID=123112 \|archive-date = January 10, 2016 \|url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>]</ref> Under the name of the new parent company, Maya was renamed Autodesk Maya. However, the name "Maya" continues to be the dominant name used for the product.
	== History ==
	Maya is the thing that goes vrooooom......Maya is the culmination of three 3D software lines: Wavefront's The Advanced Visualizer (in California), Thomson Digital Image (TDI) Explore (in France) and Alias' Power Animator (in Canada). In 1993 Wavefront purchased TDI, and in 1995 ] (SGI) purchased both Alias and Wavefront (due to pressure from ]'s purchase of ] earlier that year) and combined them into one working company, producing a single package from their collective source code. The combined company was referred to as Alias\|Wavefront. In the mid-1990s, the most popular pipeline in Hollywood films was a combination of tools: Alias Studio for modeling, ] for animation, and ] for rendering.<ref>{{cite web \| url=http://silicon-valley.siggraph.org/MeetingNotes/ILM.html \|title=Jurassic Park - The Illusion of Life}}</ref> This combination was used for numerous films, such as ], ] and '']''. It took Alias\|Wavefront two more years after the merger to release Maya.

			== Release history ==
	Both Alias and Wavefront were working on their next generation of software at the time of the merger. Alias had taken a Macintosh product, "]", moved it to the SGI platform and added many features to it. The code name for this project was "]", the ] term for "illusion." Maya was developed in close collaboration with Walt Disney Feature Animation, during the production of '']'', and the GUI was all customizable as a requirement from Disney so they could set up their own GUI and workflow based on decades of animation experience. This had a large impact on the openness of Maya and later also helped the software become an industry standard, since many facilities implement extensive proprietary customization of the software to gain competitive advantage.
			{\| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
			\|+
			! scope="col" \|Major Version Name<ref>{{Cite web \|last=www.toxik.sk \|title=www.toxik.sk {{!}} CG Blog » Maya HISTORY \|url=https://www.toxik.sk/maya-startup-window-history/ \|access-date=2024-07-02}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last=Shing \|first=Pooja \|date=2010-12-10 \|title=MAYA EXTREME: Release history \|url=http://extrememaya.blogspot.com/2010/12/release-history.html \|access-date=2024-07-02 \|website=MAYA EXTREME}}</ref>
			! scope="col" \|Date
			! scope="col" \|Sub-versions
			!Major change
			! scope="col" \|Operating System
			\|-
			! scope="row" \|<nowiki>A\|W Maya 1.0</nowiki>
			\|Feb 1998
			\|1.0.1 (Jun 1998)
			\|
			\|SGI IRIX
			Windows
			\|-
			! scope="row" \|<nowiki>A\|W Maya 1.5</nowiki>
			\|Oct 1998
			\|
			\|IRIX only
			\|SGI IRIX
			\|-
			! scope="row" \|<nowiki>A\|W Maya 2.0</nowiki>
			\|Jun 1999
			\|
			\|
			\| rowspan="2" \|SGI IRIX
			Windows
			\|-
			! scope="row" \|<nowiki>A\|W Maya 2.5</nowiki>
			\|Nov 1999
			\|2.5.2 (Mar 2000)
			\|
			\|-
			! scope="row" \|<nowiki>A\|W Maya 3.0</nowiki>
			\|Feb 2000
			\|3.0.1 (Jan 2001)
			\|First Linux ver.
			\|SGI IRIX
			Windows

			Linux
	It was then decided to adopt Alias' "Maya" architecture, and merge Wavefront's code with it.
			\|-
			! scope="row" \|<nowiki>A\|W Maya 3.5</nowiki>
			\|Oct 2001
			\|3.5.1 (Sep 2002)
			\|OSX only
			\|OSX
			\|-
			! scope="row" \|<nowiki>A\|W Maya 4.0</nowiki>
			\|Jun 2001
			\|4.0.2 (May 2002)
			\|No OSX ver.
			\|SGI IRIX
			Windows

			Linux
	In the early days of development, Maya used ] as the scripting language. After the merger, there was debate amongst those who supported Tcl, ] and ]. Sophia was much faster than the others and won out. However, once ] was added, it ended up being equally slow.
			\|-
			! scope="row" \|<nowiki>A\|W Maya 4.5</nowiki>
			\|Jul 2002
			\|
			\|
			\| rowspan="4" \|SGI IRIX
			Windows

			Linux
	Upon its release in 1998, Alias\|Wavefront discontinued all previous animation-based software lines including Alias Power Animator, encouraging consumers to upgrade to Maya. It succeeded in expanding its product line to take over a great deal of market share, with leading visual effects companies such as ] and ] switching from ] to Maya for the animation software.

			OSX
	Later, Alias\|Wavefront was renamed Alias. In 2003, Alias was sold by SGI to the ] and the private equity investment firm ]. In October 2005, Alias was sold again, this time to ], and on ], ], Autodesk completed the acquisition and ''Alias'' Maya is now known as '''Autodesk Maya'''.
			\|-
			! scope="row" \|<nowiki>A\|W Maya 5.0</nowiki>
			\|May 2003
			\|5.0.1 (Oct 2003)
			\| +]
			\|-
			! scope="row" \|Alias Maya 6.0
			\|May 2004
			\|6.0.1 (Aug 2004)
			\|
			\|-
			! scope="row" \|Alias Maya 6.5
			\|Jan 2005
			\|6.5.1 (Dec 2005)
			\|final IRIX ver.
			\|-
			! scope="row" \|Alias Maya 7.0
			\|Aug 2005
			\|7.0.1 (Dec 2005)
			\|
			\| rowspan="20" \|Windows
			Linux

			OSX
	== Overview ==
			\|-
	] Maya is a popular, ]-based 3D software suite, evolved from ] Explorer and ] ] using technologies from both. The software is released in two versions: Maya Complete and Maya Unlimited. Maya Personal Learning Edition (PLE) was available (excluding the ] version)<ref>http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/item?siteID=123112&id=7679012#section1 - Autodesk Maya FAQ</ref> at no cost for non-commercial use, with the resulting rendered image watermarked, but as of December 2, 2008, it was no longer made available.
			! scope="row" \|Autodesk Maya 8.0
			\|Aug 2006
			\|
			\|First 64-bit
			First Autodesk Ver.
			\|-
			! scope="row" \|Autodesk Maya 8.5
			\|Jan 2007
			\|Service Pack 1 (Jun 2007)
			\| +]-based OSX
			+] ]

			+Nucleus Solver
	Maya was originally released for the ] operating system, and subsequently ported to the ], ], and ] operating systems. IRIX support was discontinued after the release of version 6.5. When Autodesk acquired Alias in October 2005, they continued Maya development. The latest version, 2009 (10.0), was released in October 2008.
			\|-
			! scope="row" \|Autodesk Maya 2008 ver. 9.0
			\|Sep 2007
			\|Extension 1, ver. 9 (Dec 2007)
			Extension 2, ver. 9.0.1 (Feb 2008)

			SP1, ver. 9.0.1 (Mar 2008)
	An important feature of Maya is its openness to third-party software, which can strip the software completely of its standard appearance and, using only the ], transform it into a highly customized version of the software. This feature in itself made Maya appealing to large studios, which tend to write custom code for their productions using the provided ].
			\|] numbering scheme becomes year-based
			\|-
			! scope="row" \|Autodesk Maya 2009 ver. 10
			\|Aug 2008
			\|Service Pack 1, ver. 10 (Apr-2009)
			\| unified "Complete" and "Unlimited" editions
			\|-
			! scope="row" \|Autodesk Maya 2010
			\|Aug 2009
			\|
			\|
			\|-
			! scope="row" \|Autodesk Maya 2011
			\|April 2010
			\|Service Pack 1 (Sep 2010)
			Subscription Advantage Pack (Sep 2010)

			Hotfix 3 (Jul 2010)
	A ]-like cross-platform scripting language called '']'' (''MEL'') is provided not only as a scripting language, but as means to customize Maya's core functionality (much of the environment and tools are written in the language). Additionally, user interactions are implemented and recorded as MEL scripting code which users can store on a ], allowing animators to add functionality without experience in ] or ], though that option is provided with the software development kit. Support for ] scripting was added in version 8.5.

			Hotfix 2 (Jun 2010)
	The core of Maya itself is written in ]<ref>, maintained by C++ creator ]</ref>.

			Hotfix 1 (May 2010)
	Project files, including all geometry and animation data, are stored as sequences of MEL operations which can be optionally saved as a human-readable file (.ma, for "Maya ]"), editable in any text editor outside of the Maya environment, thus allowing for a high level of flexibility when working with external tools.
			\| +PyMel 1.0
			+] Interface
			\|-
			! scope="row" \|Autodesk Maya 2012
			\|March 2011
			\|Service Pack 2 (25. Jan 2012)
			Service Pack 1 (Oct 2011)

			Hotfix1,2,3,4 (Apr-Aug 2011)
	A ] is built into larger menu system called Hotbox that provides instant access to a majority of features in Maya at the press of a key.
			\| +] ]

			+Viewport 2.0
	== Modeling ==
	], ] and ]s (or SubDivs) are available in Maya.

			+Python API 2.0
	Polygons are a widely used model medium due to its relative stability and functionality. Polygons are also the bridge between NURBS and SubDivs. NURBS are used mainly for their ready-smooth appearance and they are used in Dynamics because they respond well to deformations. SubDivs are a combination of both NURBS and polygons. They are ready-smooth and can be manipulated like polygons, providing the artist with an instant representation of a smoothed polygon. This can result in a model of many objects including knives and sheaths. Maya's hair cannot be applied to Sub division polygons.
			\|-
			! scope="row" \|Autodesk Maya 2013
			\|Mar 2012
			\|Service Pack 2 (Oct 2012)
			Service Path 1 Refix (Jul 2012)

			Service Pack 1 (Jun 2012)
	== Dynamics and simulation ==
			\| +NHair
	Maya features a ] for handling masses like steam and water drops. Dynamic fields allow adding gravity, wind and vortexes, allowing for effects such as blowing leaves or even tornadoes. Special tools give artists the ability to brush and style particles like hair and fur. This module is a direct evolution of ] ].

			+]
	An artist may create ] geometric objects which collide automatically without explicit animation, as well as ] objects which can ripple and bend, like flags and cloth.

			+]
	Maya effects are built-in programs that make it easy for users to create complex animation effects such as smoke, fire and realistic water effects, with many options and attributes for tuning the results.

			+Node Editor
	In version 8.5 a powerful cloth simulator called "nCloth" was added, allowing users to simulate cloth with control over aspects such as self-collision and interpenetration. The cloth objects can be modified to behave as rigid or soft bodies.
			\|-
			! scope="row" \|Autodesk Maya 2014
			\|Mar 2013
			\|SP1 Extension (Oct 2013)
			Service Pack 1 (Jun 2013)
			\|
			\|-
			! scope="row" \|Autodesk Maya 2015
			\|Aug. 2014
			\|SP2 (May 2014)
			\| +Python 2.7.x
			\|-
			! scope="row" \|Autodesk Maya 2016
			\|Mar 2015
			\|Extension 1 SP7 (May 2019)
			Service Pack 7 (May 2019)

			Extension 2 SP2 (Sep 2016)
	In version 2009 , "nParticles" were added, offering a new particle simulation system (based around the same system running 'nCloth'), in addition to the original particle system available in Maya. This addition was similar to the inclusion of "nCloth" alongside "Maya Cloth", insofar as it did not take the place of any existing dynamic tools, despite being newer. (see 'Unlimited Features' below).

			Extension 2 (Apr 2016)
	== Maya Unlimited ==
	Maya Unlimited version comes with a set of tools not available in the Maya complete version.
	;Maya Fluid Effects
	:A realistic fluid simulator (effective for smoke, fire, clouds and explosions, added in Maya 4.5)
	;Maya Classic Cloth
	:Cloth simulation to automatically simulate clothing and fabrics moving realistically over an animated character. The Maya Cloth toolset has been upgraded in every version of Maya released after Spider-Man 2. Alias worked with Sony Pictures Imageworks to get Maya Cloth up to scratch for that production, and all those changes have been implemented, although the big studios opted to use third party plugins such as ] instead of the (relatively) cumbersome Maya Cloth.
	;Maya Fur
	:Animal fur simulation similar to Maya Hair. It can be used to simulate other fur-like objects, such as grass.
	;Maya Hair
	:A simulator for realistic-looking human hair implemented using curves and Paint Effects. These are also known as dynamic curves.
	;Maya Live
	:A set of motion tracking tools for CG matching to clean plate footage.
	;Maya nCloth
	:Added in version 8.5, nCloth is the first implementation of Maya Nucleus, Autodesk's simulation framework. nCloth gives the artist further control of cloth and material simulations.
	; Maya nParticle
	:Added in version 2009, nParticle is addendum to Maya Nucleus toolset. nParticle gives artists an intuitive, efficient workflow for simulating a wide range of complex 3D effects, including liquids, clouds, smoke, spray, and dust.

			Extension 1 (Apr 2016)
	== Scripting and plugins ==
	In Maya, anything can be connected to anything. E.g. a color intensity of a shader can be used to control the movement of a door opening and closing. To control the node based system of Maya, fully reconfigurable user interface can be scripted with ] script code which can be dropped onto a shelf to create a new icon that executes that code.

			Service Pack 6 (Apr 2016)
	With the release of Maya 8.5 support for the ] has been included. The current implementation of Python in maya is not fully object oriented though.
	*]

			Service Pack 5 (Dec 2015)
	=== Mel scripting ===
	Mel stands for Maya Embedded language and it's a script language similar to C embedded in Maya.
	Code written in Mel can be executed from the script editor, from the shelves and from drop down menus.

			Service Pack 4 (Oct 2015)
	Mel lets the user have more access and more control than the User Interface; some functions of the software and advanced options are only available by using Mel.
	All maya preferences are maya code so are the drop down menus. This means that it is always possible, with a little digging, to retrieve the mel commands
	and mel functions that maya calls when you click a specific button of the UI.

			Service Pack 3 (Sep 2015)
	Mel is not object oriented, this means it is not possible create classes and methods or functions associated to it as you would in C++ or Python.
	This however shouldn't be seen as a mere limitation because it gives Mel a strong structure making it accessible and easier to understand to Maya users and to first time programmers.
	Also the linear scripting nature of the language would assist the user in making the most of the maya nodes instead of tempting him/her to make its own objects, as in case of object oriented languages.

			Service Pack 2 (Aug 2015)
	== Official learning tools ==
	Along with the history of Maya the company has produced Maya learning tools which date back to the earlier Alias days. Beginning with an internally produced newsletter on Maya software techniques and workflows, the company continued with the internally produced Art of Maya book and training videos and tutorials. In response to strong user demand the company's education department further developed instructional books and video-based learning content referred to as learning tools. Autodesk continues to develop learning tools with content developed both by internal product specialists as well as industry professionals. The company's video-based learning tools have recently moved away from physical production and are now available as digital downloads.{{Fact\|date=July 2008}}

			Service Pack 1 (Jun 2015)
	== References ==
			\| +XGen
	*"Maya 7 for Windows and Macintosh" by Danny Riddel, Morgan Robinson and Nathaniel Stein. Peachpit Press, 2006.
	*"Mel Scripting for Maya Animators" by Mark R. Wilkins and Chris Kazmier, Morgan Kaufmann Publishers, 2005.
	*"Understanding Maya" by Sergey Tsiptsin, ArtHouse Media, 2007.
	{{reflist}}

			+Bifrost
	== See also ==
			\|-
	* ]
			! scope="row" \|Autodesk Maya 2017
	* ]
			\|Jul 2016
	* ]
			\|Update 5 (Nov 2017)
	* ]
			Update 4 (Jun 2017)
	* ]

			Update 3 (Feb 2017)

			Update 2 (Nov 2016)

			Update 1 (Sep 2016)
			\|
			\|-
			! scope="row" \|Autodesk Maya 2018
			\|Jul 2017
			\|2018.7 (Apr 2020)
			2018.6 (Apr 2019)

			2018.5 (Nov 2018)

			2018.4 (Jul 2018)

			2018.3 (May 2018)

			2018.2 (Dec 2017)

			2018.1 (Sep 2017)
			\| +MASH
			\|-
			!Autodesk Maya 2019
			\|Jan 2019
			\|2019.3.1 (Apr 2020)
			2019.3 (Apr 2020)

			2019.2 (Jul 2019)

			2019.1 (May 2019)
			\|
			\|-
			!Autodesk Maya 2020
			\|Dec 2019
			\|2020.4 (Dec 2020)
			2020.3 (Oct 2020)

			2020.2 (May 2020)

			2020.1 (Mar 2020)
			\|
			\|-
			!Autodesk Maya 2022
			\|Mar 2021
			\|2022.1
			2022.2

			2022.3

			2022.4

			2022.5

			2022.5.1
			\| +] support

			+OpenColorIO

			+Python 3.7.x
			\|-
			!Autodesk Maya 2023
			\|Sep 2022
			\|2023.1
			2023.2

			2023.3

			2023.3.1
			\| +Boolean overhaul
			+Sweep mesh
			\|-
			!Autodesk Maya 2024
			\|Mar 2023
			\|2024.0.1

			2024.1

			2024.2
			\| +LookdevX

			+Substance 2.3.2

			+Native ] Support
			\|-
			!Autodesk Maya 2025
			\|Aug 2024
			\|2025.1

			2025.2
			\|
			\|}

			==Overview==
			Maya is an application used to generate 3D assets for use in film, television, games, and commercials. The software was initially released for the ] operating system. However, this support was discontinued in August 2005 after the release of version 6.5. Maya was available in both "Complete" and "Unlimited" editions until August 2008, when it was turned into a single suite.<ref>{{cite web\|title=Autodesk Maya Features – Compare\|url=http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/pc/compare/index?siteID=123112&id=13583751\|url-status=dead\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101006081157/http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/pc/compare/index?siteID=123112&id=13583751\|archive-date=2010-10-06\|access-date=2010-10-02\|website=Autodesk}}</ref>

			Users define a virtual workspace (''scene'') to implement and edit media of a particular project. Scenes can be saved in a variety of formats, the default being ''.mb'' (Maya Binary). Maya exposes a ]. Scene elements are ]-based, each node having its own attributes and customization. As a result, the visual representation of a scene is based entirely on a network of interconnecting nodes, depending on each other's information. For the convenience of viewing these networks, there is a ] and a ].

			Nowadays, the 3D models can be imported to game engines such as ] and ].{{cn\|date=January 2024}}

			==Industry usage==
			The widespread use of Maya in the film industry is usually associated with its development on the film '']'', released by Disney and The Secret Lab on May 19, 2000.<ref>{{cite book\|last=Warren\|first=Scott\|title=Learning Games: The Science and Art of Development\|date=16 June 2017\|publisher=Springer\|page=77}}</ref> In 2003, when Alias\|Wavefront received an ], it was noted to be used in films such as '']'', '']'', '']'', and '']'', all of which were released in 2002.<ref name="Macworld">{{cite journal\|last=Sellers\|first=Dennis\|date=14 January 2003\|title=Maya gets Oscar for Technical Achievement\|url=https://www.macworld.com/article/1008800/oscar.html\|journal=Macworld\|access-date=8 January 2019}}</ref> By 2015, ] Magazine stated that all ten films in consideration for the Best Visual Effects Academy Award had used Autodesk Maya and that it had been "used on every winning film since 1997."<ref name="VENTURE">{{cite web\|last=Terdiman\|first=Daniel\|date=15 January 2015\|title=And the Oscar for Best Visual Effects Goes to… Autodesk's Maya\|url=https://venturebeat.com/2015/01/15/hollywood-fx-pros-i-want-to-be-an-oscars-maya-winner/\|work=media\|publisher=]}}</ref> The film studio ] uses Autodesk Maya for their animated films. ] also utilizes the software for character rigging and animation, being used in their films such as ].<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://twitter.com/disneyanimation/status/1260328901403762688\|title=A character rig, setup by Character Technical Directors, can have thousands of articulation controls. This allows Animators to pose a character and craft a believable performance. #TechTuesday\|access-date=2020-09-04\|website=Twitter\|language=en}}</ref>

			==Awards==
			On March 1, 2003, Alias was given an ] by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for scientific and technical achievement for their development of Maya software.<ref name="Macworld"/>

			In 2005, while working for Alias\|Wavefront, Jos Stam shared an Academy Award for Technical Achievement with ] and Tony DeRose for their invention and application of subdivision surfaces.<ref>{{cite web\|title=PIXAR Awards\|url=http://www.pixar.com/companyinfo/press_box/awards.htm\|url-status=dead\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927043045/http://www.pixar.com/companyinfo/press_box/awards.htm\|archive-date=September 27, 2011\|access-date=November 15, 2011}}</ref>

			On February 8, 2008, ], ], Julia Pakalns and Martin Werner received an Academy Award for Technical Achievement for the design and implementation of the Maya Fluid Effects system.<ref>{{cite web\|date=January 6, 2003\|title=Scientific & Technical Awards Winners\|url=http://www.oscars.org/awards/scitech/winners/2007.html\|url-status=dead\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090216053528/http://www.oscars.org/awards/scitech/winners/2007.html\|archive-date=February 16, 2009\|access-date=December 10, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|date=January 6, 2003\|title=Technical Achievement Award\|url=http://www.oscars.org/awards/academyawards/about/awards/technical.html\|access-date=December 10, 2010}}</ref>

			==See also==
			{{columns-list\|colwidth=20em\|
			* ]
			* ]
			* ]
	* ]		* ]
	* ]		* ]
	* ]		* ]
	* ]		* ]
			* ]
	* ] - A third-party photorealistic renderer with plugins for maya.
	* ]		* ]
	* ]		* ]
			* ]
			}}

			==References==
	== External links ==
			{{Reflist\|30em}}

			==External links==
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Latest revision as of 19:40, 18 December 2024

3D computer graphics software

Autodesk Maya


Original author(s)	Alias Systems Corporation
Developer(s)	Autodesk, Inc.
Initial release	February 1, 1998; 26 years ago (1998-02-01)

Stable release	2025.3 / October 2024; 3 months ago (2024-10)

Written in	C++, MEL, Python, C#
Operating system	RHEL/Rocky Linux 8.6 Windows 10 or later macOS Big Sur or later
Platform	x86-64, Apple silicon
Available in	English, Japanese, Simplified Chinese
Type	3D computer graphics
License	Trialware
Website	www.autodesk.com/products/maya/overview

Autodesk Maya, commonly shortened to just Maya (/ˈmaɪə/; MY-ə), is a 3D computer graphics application that runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, originally developed by Alias and currently owned and developed by Autodesk. It is used to create assets for interactive 3D applications (including video games), animated films, TV series, and visual effects.

History

Maya was originally an animation product based on codebase from The Advanced Visualizer by Wavefront Technologies, Thomson Digital Image (TDI) Explore, PowerAnimator by Alias, and Alias Sketch!. The IRIX-based projects were combined and animation features were added; the project codename was Maya. Walt Disney Feature Animation collaborated closely with Maya's development during its production of Dinosaur. Disney requested that the user interface of the application be customizable to allow for a personalized workflow. This was a particular influence in the open architecture of Maya, and partly responsible for its popularity in the animation industry.

After Silicon Graphics Inc. had acquired both Alias and Wavefront Technologies, Inc. in 1995, Wavefront's technology (then under development) was merged into Maya. SGI's acquisition was a response to Microsoft Corporation acquiring Softimage 3D in 1994. The new wholly-owned subsidiary was named "Alias $|$ Wavefront".

In the early days of development Maya started with Tcl as the scripting language, in order to leverage its similarity to a Unix shell script language, but after the merger with Wavefront it was replaced with Maya Embedded Language (MEL). Sophia, the scripting language in Wavefront's Dynamation, was chosen as the basis of MEL.

Maya 1.0 was released in February 1998. Following a series of acquisitions, Maya was bought by Autodesk in October 2005. Under the name of the new parent company, Maya was renamed Autodesk Maya. However, the name "Maya" continues to be the dominant name used for the product.

Release history


Major Version Name	Date	Sub-versions	Major change	Operating System
A\|W Maya 1.0	Feb 1998	1.0.1 (Jun 1998)		SGI IRIX Windows
A\|W Maya 1.5	Oct 1998		IRIX only	SGI IRIX
A\|W Maya 2.0	Jun 1999			SGI IRIX Windows
A\|W Maya 2.5	Nov 1999	2.5.2 (Mar 2000)		SGI IRIX Windows
A\|W Maya 3.0	Feb 2000	3.0.1 (Jan 2001)	First Linux ver.	SGI IRIX Windows Linux
A\|W Maya 3.5	Oct 2001	3.5.1 (Sep 2002)	OSX only	OSX
A\|W Maya 4.0	Jun 2001	4.0.2 (May 2002)	No OSX ver.	SGI IRIX Windows Linux
A\|W Maya 4.5	Jul 2002			SGI IRIX Windows Linux OSX
A\|W Maya 5.0	May 2003	5.0.1 (Oct 2003)	+Mental Ray
Alias Maya 6.0	May 2004	6.0.1 (Aug 2004)
Alias Maya 6.5	Jan 2005	6.5.1 (Dec 2005)	final IRIX ver.
Alias Maya 7.0	Aug 2005	7.0.1 (Dec 2005)		Windows Linux OSX
Autodesk Maya 8.0	Aug 2006		First 64-bit First Autodesk Ver.
Autodesk Maya 8.5	Jan 2007	Service Pack 1 (Jun 2007)	+Intel-based OSX +Python API +Nucleus Solver
Autodesk Maya 2008 ver. 9.0	Sep 2007	Extension 1, ver. 9 (Dec 2007) Extension 2, ver. 9.0.1 (Feb 2008) SP1, ver. 9.0.1 (Mar 2008)	Software versioning numbering scheme becomes year-based
Autodesk Maya 2009 ver. 10	Aug 2008	Service Pack 1, ver. 10 (Apr-2009)	unified "Complete" and "Unlimited" editions
Autodesk Maya 2010	Aug 2009
Autodesk Maya 2011	April 2010	Service Pack 1 (Sep 2010) Subscription Advantage Pack (Sep 2010) Hotfix 3 (Jul 2010) Hotfix 2 (Jun 2010) Hotfix 1 (May 2010)	+PyMel 1.0 +Qt Interface
Autodesk Maya 2012	March 2011	Service Pack 2 (25. Jan 2012) Service Pack 1 (Oct 2011) Hotfix1,2,3,4 (Apr-Aug 2011)	+Nvidia PhysX +Viewport 2.0 +Python API 2.0
Autodesk Maya 2013	Mar 2012	Service Pack 2 (Oct 2012) Service Path 1 Refix (Jul 2012) Service Pack 1 (Jun 2012)	+NHair +Bullet Physics Library +Alembic +Node Editor
Autodesk Maya 2014	Mar 2013	SP1 Extension (Oct 2013) Service Pack 1 (Jun 2013)
Autodesk Maya 2015	Aug. 2014	SP2 (May 2014)	+Python 2.7.x
Autodesk Maya 2016	Mar 2015	Extension 1 SP7 (May 2019) Service Pack 7 (May 2019) Extension 2 SP2 (Sep 2016) Extension 2 (Apr 2016) Extension 1 (Apr 2016) Service Pack 6 (Apr 2016) Service Pack 5 (Dec 2015) Service Pack 4 (Oct 2015) Service Pack 3 (Sep 2015) Service Pack 2 (Aug 2015) Service Pack 1 (Jun 2015)	+XGen +Bifrost
Autodesk Maya 2017	Jul 2016	Update 5 (Nov 2017) Update 4 (Jun 2017) Update 3 (Feb 2017) Update 2 (Nov 2016) Update 1 (Sep 2016)
Autodesk Maya 2018	Jul 2017	2018.7 (Apr 2020) 2018.6 (Apr 2019) 2018.5 (Nov 2018) 2018.4 (Jul 2018) 2018.3 (May 2018) 2018.2 (Dec 2017) 2018.1 (Sep 2017)	+MASH
Autodesk Maya 2019	Jan 2019	2019.3.1 (Apr 2020) 2019.3 (Apr 2020) 2019.2 (Jul 2019) 2019.1 (May 2019)
Autodesk Maya 2020	Dec 2019	2020.4 (Dec 2020) 2020.3 (Oct 2020) 2020.2 (May 2020) 2020.1 (Mar 2020)
Autodesk Maya 2022	Mar 2021	2022.1 2022.2 2022.3 2022.4 2022.5 2022.5.1	+USD support +OpenColorIO +Python 3.7.x
Autodesk Maya 2023	Sep 2022	2023.1 2023.2 2023.3 2023.3.1	+Boolean overhaul +Sweep mesh
Autodesk Maya 2024	Mar 2023	2024.0.1 2024.1 2024.2	+LookdevX +Substance 2.3.2 +Native Apple silicon Support
Autodesk Maya 2025	Aug 2024	2025.1 2025.2

Overview

Maya is an application used to generate 3D assets for use in film, television, games, and commercials. The software was initially released for the IRIX operating system. However, this support was discontinued in August 2005 after the release of version 6.5. Maya was available in both "Complete" and "Unlimited" editions until August 2008, when it was turned into a single suite.

Users define a virtual workspace (scene) to implement and edit media of a particular project. Scenes can be saved in a variety of formats, the default being .mb (Maya Binary). Maya exposes a node graph architecture. Scene elements are node-based, each node having its own attributes and customization. As a result, the visual representation of a scene is based entirely on a network of interconnecting nodes, depending on each other's information. For the convenience of viewing these networks, there is a dependency and a directed acyclic graph.

Nowadays, the 3D models can be imported to game engines such as Unreal Engine and Unity.

Industry usage

The widespread use of Maya in the film industry is usually associated with its development on the film Dinosaur, released by Disney and The Secret Lab on May 19, 2000. In 2003, when Alias|Wavefront received an Academy Award for Technical Achievement, it was noted to be used in films such as The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, Spider-Man, Ice Age, and Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, all of which were released in 2002. By 2015, VentureBeat Magazine stated that all ten films in consideration for the Best Visual Effects Academy Award had used Autodesk Maya and that it had been "used on every winning film since 1997." The film studio Illumination Studios Paris uses Autodesk Maya for their animated films. Walt Disney Animation Studios also utilizes the software for character rigging and animation, being used in their films such as Frozen II.

Awards

On March 1, 2003, Alias was given an Academy Award for Technical Achievement by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for scientific and technical achievement for their development of Maya software.

In 2005, while working for Alias|Wavefront, Jos Stam shared an Academy Award for Technical Achievement with Edwin Catmull and Tony DeRose for their invention and application of subdivision surfaces.

On February 8, 2008, Duncan Brinsmead, Jos Stam, Julia Pakalns and Martin Werner received an Academy Award for Technical Achievement for the design and implementation of the Maya Fluid Effects system.

References

Maya 2025.3 Update Release Notes
"C++ Applications". stroustrup.com. Retrieved December 16, 2016.
Baas, Matthias (May 8, 2006). "Python/Maya: Introductory tutorial". cgkit.sourceforge.net. Archived from the original on November 15, 2010. Retrieved December 10, 2010.
System Requirements for Autodesk Maya 2024
"Maya 2017 Overview". YouTube. Autodesk. 26 July 2016. Archived from the original on 2021-11-17. Retrieved May 18, 2018.
"Maya LT 2018 – Overview". YouTube. Autodesk. 31 August 2017. Archived from the original on 2021-11-17. Retrieved May 18, 2018.
"History". Maya books. Archived from the original on November 25, 2010. Retrieved December 11, 2010.
Muwanguzi, Michael J (July 1, 2010). "Maya 2011". Microfilmmaker Magazine. Archived from the original (Software Review) on July 20, 2011. Retrieved December 11, 2010.
"THE CUTTING EDGE : A New Dimension : Silicon Graphics to Buy Two 3-D Software Firms". Los Angeles Times. 8 February 1995.
"COMPANY NEWS; An Acquisition By Microsoft". The New York Times.
Weisbard, Sam (December 13, 2002). "Wavefront Discontinued Products and Brands". Alias. Design engine. Archived from the original on August 22, 2009. Retrieved December 10, 2010.
Sharpe, Jason; Lumsden, Charles J; Woolridge, Nicholas (2008), In silico: 3D animation and simulation of cell biology with Maya and MEL, Morgan Kaufmann Martin, p. 263, ISBN 978-0-12-373655-0
"Autodesk buys Alias".
Autodesk (October 4, 2005). "Autodesk Signs Definitive Agreement to Acquire Alias". Archived from the original on January 10, 2016. Retrieved October 23, 2015.
Wikinews:Autodesk to buy Alias
www.toxik.sk. "www.toxik.sk | CG Blog » Maya HISTORY". Retrieved 2024-07-02.
Shing, Pooja (2010-12-10). "MAYA EXTREME: Release history". MAYA EXTREME. Retrieved 2024-07-02.
"Autodesk Maya Features – Compare". Autodesk. Archived from the original on 2010-10-06. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
Warren, Scott (16 June 2017). Learning Games: The Science and Art of Development. Springer. p. 77.
^ Sellers, Dennis (14 January 2003). "Maya gets Oscar for Technical Achievement". Macworld. Retrieved 8 January 2019.
Terdiman, Daniel (15 January 2015). "And the Oscar for Best Visual Effects Goes to… Autodesk's Maya". media. VentureBeat.
"A character rig, setup by Character Technical Directors, can have thousands of articulation controls. This allows Animators to pose a character and craft a believable performance. #TechTuesday". Twitter. Retrieved 2020-09-04.
"PIXAR Awards". Archived from the original on September 27, 2011. Retrieved November 15, 2011.
"Scientific & Technical Awards Winners". January 6, 2003. Archived from the original on February 16, 2009. Retrieved December 10, 2010.
"Technical Achievement Award". January 6, 2003. Retrieved December 10, 2010.

External links

Official website

Motion graphics and animation software

		2D (list)	3D (list)	Mix
Free and open-source		Ajax Animator Animator Pro TupiTube SWFTools Synfig OpenToonz Papagayo Pencil2D Krita Glaxnimate	3D Movie Maker Art of Illusion OpenFX Seamless3d Toonloop	Blender
Closed- source	Freeware	FlipaClip Pivot Animator Stick Nodes	Clara.io Daz Studio MikuMikuDance Source Filmmaker
	Commercial	Adobe Animate Adobe Character Animator Antics 2-D Animation Clip Studio Paint DigiCel FlipBook Live2D Moho (Anime Studio) Motion Live 2D ParticleIllusion CrazyTalk Toon Boom Toonz TVPaint	Autodesk 3ds Max Autodesk Maya Autodesk MotionBuilder iClone Bryce Carrara Cinema 4D Houdini LightWave 3D MASSIVE Moviestorm Shark 3D Strata 3D	Adobe After Effects Adobe Photoshop Autodesk Flame Blackmagic Fusion Motion Nuke
	Discontinued, legacy	Autodesk Animator Animo DrawPlus Fantavision Gryphon Software Morph iAd Producer Pegs SWiSH Max RETAS USAnimation	Autodesk Softimage Dynamation Messiah Softimage 3D Swift 3D	Adobe Director Avid Elastic Reality

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Open-source	3D Movie Maker Blender CloudCompare FreeCAD GigaMesh Software Framework LuxCoreRender MakeHuman MeshLab MoonRay OpenFX OpenSCAD Point Cloud Library POV-Ray Seamless3d Sweet Home 3D Wings 3D
Closed-source	3D-Coat AC3D Arnold Autodesk 3ds Max Autodesk Alias Autodesk Maya Autodesk Mudbox Blackmagic Fusion Bryce Carrara Cinema 4D Clara.io Daz Studio Electric Image Animation System E-on Vue Golaem Crowd Hexagon Houdini Kerkythea LightWave 3D MASSIVE Medium by Adobe Messiah Nuke Octane Render Paint 3D Pixar Presto Pixar RenderMan Poser Remo 3D Rhinoceros 3D Shade 3D Shark 3D Silo SketchUp Source Filmmaker Strata 3D Terragen ZBrush
Defunct	Amapi Autodesk Softimage Cyber Studio CAD-3D Dynamation Imagine Modo N-World PowerAnimator Sculpt 3D Softimage 3D StrataVision 3D Swift 3D TrueSpace TurboSilver VistaPro
Core technologies	ACIS C3D HOOPS 3D KernelCAD Open Cascade Technology Parasolid Romulus RGK ShapeManager Teigha IntelliCAD
Comparison Category List 3D modeling 3D rendering

Autodesk products

Autodesk Media and Entertainment

Current	Autodesk Maya Autodesk 3ds Max Autodesk Arnold Autodesk Mudbox Autodesk MotionBuilder ShotGrid Autodesk Flare Autodesk Flame Autodesk Lustre
Former	Discreet Frost Matchmover Media Cleaner Lightscape Discreet Plasma Discreet GMax Autodesk Toxik Autodesk Smoke Autodesk Softimage SketchBook Pro Kynapse Autodesk Stingray Autodesk Gameware Scaleform GFx Autodesk Combustion Autodesk Animator

Autodesk Engineering, Architecture, & Construction

Current	AutoCAD Autodesk Revit Autodesk Tinkercad
Former	AutoSketch Autodesk 123D AutoShade

Autodesk Product Design & Manufacturing

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