Autodesk Maya File Import-Export Add-on

User Guide for Blender (v 2.0.1)

1. Overview

Autodesk Maya File Import-Export lets you read and write native Maya .mb / .ma files directly inside Blender.

Workflow in a nutshell

1. Blender side – Selected objects are exported to a temporary FBX.

2. Maya Standalone (mayapy) – The FBX is converted to/from a Maya file without launching the Maya UI.

3. Blender side – The final file is automatically imported or saved.

Key benefits

• No need to open Maya’s GUI

• Granular filters (Meshes, Lights, Cameras, Splines, Animations, Materials, Armatures)

• Drag-and-drop import, batch conversion, detailed logging, automatic cache cleanup

2. System Requirements

3. Installation

1. Download the ZIP from GitHub or Blender Market.

2. Blender → Edit › Preferences › Add-ons › Install… → pick the ZIP → Install Add-on.

3. Enable Autodesk Maya File Import-Export.

4. In the add-on preferences, set the path to mayapy:

   • Default (Windows):
     C:\Program Files\Autodesk\Maya2025\bin\mayapy.exe

   • macOS / Linux: choose the corresponding mayapy executable.

4. Exporting from Blender to Maya

1. Select the objects you want to export.

2. File › Export › Autodesk Maya (.mb, .ma).

3. Tick the asset types to include (Meshes, Lights, etc.).

4. Choose a file name and extension (.mb or .ma) → Export Maya File.

5. Progress and errors are written to ~/Documents/blender_maya_log.txt.

Tip – To export animation only, tick Animations (and optionally Armatures) and untick everything else.

5. Importing from Maya to Blender

Method A – Menu

1. File › Import › Autodesk Maya (.mb, .ma).

2. Pick a .mb or .ma file.

3. In the right-hand panel choose what to import.

4. Enable Maya Axis (180 ° X-flip) if you work in Y-Up in Blender.

5. Import Maya File.

Method B – Drag & Drop

Drag the .mb / .ma file into the 3D Viewport or Outliner → configure options → OK.

6. Option Reference

† Import-only options.

7. Cache & Logging

Check the log first when something goes wrong.

8. FAQ

9. Best Practices

• Coordinate systems – Decide on Y-Up vs Z-Up and stick to it; use Maya Axis when needed.

• Import only what you need – Speeds up conversion and keeps files small.

• Clean the cache periodically if you batch-convert many files.

• Adjust FBX version in the script if you need legacy compatibility.

10. Changelog (v 2.0.1)

• Drag-and-drop import dialog

• Per-asset filters for Materials & Armatures

• Enhanced log formatting with error tags

• Automatic deletion of temporary FBX files

11. Support & Feedback

When filing a bug, include:

1. Blender and Maya version

2. OS and GPU info

3. Relevant excerpt from blender_maya_log.txt

Happy shuttling between Blender and Maya!