You use Maya scripts by writing or pasting code into the Script Editor and then executing it through various keyboard shortcuts or menu commands. These scripts, often written in MEL (Maya Embedded Language) or Python, allow you to automate tasks, create custom tools, and extend Maya's functionality.
Accessing the Script Editor
The Script Editor is your primary interface for interacting with Maya through code. To open it:
- Go to Windows > General Editors > Script Editor.
Running Scripts in the Script Editor
Once the Script Editor is open, you'll typically see two main panes: an input pane at the top where you write or paste your code, and an output pane at the bottom that displays results, errors, and Maya's internal commands.
Here are the common methods to execute your script code:
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Numeric Keypad Enter | Pressing the Enter key on the numeric keypad executes the current line or the entire highlighted block of code in the input pane. |
| Command > Execute | Selecting Command > Execute from the Script Editor's menu bar runs all the code currently present in the input pane. This is ideal for executing a complete script. |
| Ctrl + Enter (for selected text) | If you have only a specific portion of your code selected in the input pane, pressing Ctrl + Enter will execute only that selected text. This is very useful for testing snippets or debugging. |
Tip: On Windows, you can easily adjust the font size of the text within both the top (input) and bottom (output) panes of the Script Editor for better readability.
Writing and Editing Scripts
In the input pane of the Script Editor, you can:
- Type commands directly: Experiment with single-line commands or small blocks of code.
- Paste existing scripts: Copy and paste script code from external sources or files.
- Edit and refine: Modify existing scripts or write new ones from scratch.
The output pane provides crucial feedback. It shows:
- Execution results: The output of your commands or script.
- Error messages: If there's an issue with your code, Maya will display an error here, helping you identify and fix problems.
- Command echoing: By default, the Script Editor often echoes the MEL commands generated by Maya's UI actions, which can be helpful for learning how to script specific functions.
Saving and Loading Scripts
To reuse your scripts, you'll want to save them:
- Saving a Script: In the Script Editor, go to File > Save Script. Choose a location and provide a name (e.g.,
myScript.pyfor Python ormyScript.melfor MEL). It's common practice to save Python scripts in your Maya scripts folder (e.g.,Documents\maya\scriptson Windows) for Maya to find them automatically. - Loading a Script: To open an existing script, go to File > Load Script in the Script Editor and navigate to your saved file.
Practical Tips for Scripting in Maya
- Start Simple: Begin with small, basic commands to understand the syntax and how Maya responds.
- Use Comments: Add comments to your code (lines starting with
#in Python or//in MEL) to explain what different parts of your script do. This makes your code easier to understand and maintain. - Check the Output Pane: Always monitor the output pane for errors or unexpected results. It's your primary diagnostic tool.
- Learn Maya's Commands: Explore Maya's documentation to understand the vast array of commands available for both MEL and Python, which are the building blocks of your scripts.
