Maya Asset Library

The Maya Asset Library Tool is a custom asset manager designed to simplify asset organization and usage directly within Maya.

short_demo.mp4

Setup

Requirements

• Autodesk Maya 2018 or later

Installation

1. Clone or download the repository to a folder on disk.

2. Open AssetLibrary.mod with any text editor (it's at the root of the folder you downloaded).

3. Replace YourPath with the path where you placed the repository. The file should look something like:

   + Asset_Library 1.0 C:/Users/user/Desktop/MyTools  
   scripts: C:/Users/user/Desktop/MyTools/AssetLibrary
   

4. Place AssetLibrary.mod in one of Maya's recognized module paths for your Maya version, for example: Documents/maya/2024/modules

   Note: If the modules folder doesn't exist, you can create it manually. Folder names are case-sensitive.

5. Restart Maya. You should now see an Assets Library menu in Maya’s main menu bar.

First Launch

1. Open the Assets Library from the Maya menu bar.

2. Go to Configure → Set Library Path.

3. Depending on your path, you can either use existing folders or create new ones by right-clicking in the Library panel (or via Windows Explorer).

Note: This is necessary only the first time you open the tool or in case you decide to change your library path.

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How to Use

Add Assets

1. Select a folder in the Library section.
2. Select a mesh in the scene.
3. From Maya's menu bar, click on Assets Library → Add Mesh to Library.
4. Enter a name for the asset (this name will be shown in the library) and choose a file format.
5. The asset is now in your library and can be spawned by clicking on it. You can also right-click the asset and assign a Category.

Note: Assets added through the tool will automatically generate a thumbnail. Older assets (not added with the tool) will still appear in the library, but without thumbnails. This will be improved in the future.

Categories and Properties

• To create a category, right-click in the Categories section and select Add Category.
• To assign a category to an asset, right-click the asset and choose Properties to open the Properties Panel.
• Categories can be used to filter your assets in the grid view.

Future Improvements

• Support more asset types: Extend file filtering in the grid view.
• Add thumbnails to legacy assets: Implement thumbnail generation for existing files.
• Enhance drag-and-drop: Allow assets to be dragged into the scene.
• Save metadata: Expand the properties dialog to support more asset data.
• Remote or shared libraries: Enable cloud-based or network path support.
• Materials: If the asset is saved with a metrial, it should have the same material with all the textures when imported.
• Bugs Correction: There are also many little bugs such as window repaint or properties info that should be adjusted.