Deploy your add-in with Style
Mason v3.1.0
Free Download (1.0MB)
Compatible with: Windows XP x86/x64, Windows Vista x86/x64
Mason For Autodesk® Maya® eases Maya developers the deployment pain.
Mason is suited for MEL/Python script writers and for API C++ Plugin developers,
developing for any combination of Windows, OSX and Linux platforms.
Mason supports Maya 4.5 to Maya 8.5, Maya 2008 and Maya 2009 (x86/x64) [Updates for newer Maya versions are forthcoming]
When it is time to release your add-in (be it a plug-in, a script or a combination)
just load up Mason and with a push of a button (litterally) your add-in will be
ready for distribution. This requires a one-time setup for an add-in.
No further documentation
reading is needed. Mason sticks to the principle of
convention over configuration which makes
it easy to pick up in one go.
Your Windows users will also enjoy a smart Maya add-in setup wizard for Windows
users. This setup wizard will allow them to install your add-in swiftly, add shelf
buttons (or shelves) at the same time. It can even support updating the installed
add-in through the internet.
we intened to develop setup wizards for all platforms as soon as our project is
on its' feet.
Main Features
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eases deployment procedure. Mason creates multi-platform zip package. It will collect only the required files and it is capable to do it in a few single clicks. |
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provide a Maya add-in setup wizard for your Windows end-users. |
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the generated setup wizard has the ability to install shelf buttons and remove, reinstall or update your add-in on the end-user's station |
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one time setup for all scripts, plugins and other files required for your add-in |
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enlarge traffic to your homepage by promoting your add-in on 3dbe.com homepage |
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recommended for all Maya add-in developers who wants to ease deployment headaches and would like to do it with style. |
About Scripts and Plugins
Developing Maya scripts is a lot of fun (and so scripting other applications). When
it gets though to the point of distributing or reinstalling your scripts you'd
want things to go smoother and faster.
If you're distributing your script you'd want your users to install
the script/plug-in swiftly. Also,
distributing your product with a setup wizard
included means it's more attractive to the user. Mason allows you
to do that.
If you're using your own scripts/plug-in, you'd want an encapsulated solution that
will allow you to install/uninstall each script/plug-in in any given time - swiftly.
Mason does just that.
Convention is King
The entire idea of Mason is to save time. We thought long and hard on how to design Mason so it is the most useful.
We wanted the programmer to use Mason just for a couple of minutes, but yet to support as many script/plugin configurations.
The only way to achieve this is to decide on a comfortable end-user-programmer convention, and a dynamic wizard-like interface to implement that convention.
Mason supports all mixtures of scripts,plug-ins and directory structures.
The Mason Wizard
We designed Mason from the ground up to deliver you the
easiest user experience available. Easy to us means
time efficient.
This is what we mean: both animators and script writers will find Mason easy to
use. When your script is ready for distribution - your generated setup wizard will
be literally minutes away after you launch Mason
for the first time.
Simplistic approach (similar to
Apple's approach). Mason displays a simplistic UI with minimal number of buttons
and the minimum user input required.
Simplistic approach
Your project, is automatically saved as you go.
No extended menus, no tutorials and no excesive documentation are needed. You'll
find that Mason tells you exactly what you need to do at any given time, showing
you the progress you've made in a progress bar.
once you configured Mason to work with a certain script/plug-in, you can always
return and generate a new setup wizard with a click of
one button. (idealy for future
versions of the script)
This design enables
you to operate Mason fully on your first use
of it.
One button to generate next time
To make things easy on you, Mason saves a configuration for every script or plug-in
you developed. Once it is configured you can generate a setup wizard with a single click.
All the files
will be buffered from the previously collected paths.
Distribution package
This illustration shows the zip file structure for an add-in that includes plugin binaries and scripts.
As you can see, windows users can execute the setup wizard. Other users can refer to the readme file for instructions.
The files can be gathered from various places on your hard drive.
Add-in Setup Wizard for Windows end-users
Tested world wide thousands of times
Mason creates an executable setup wizard of your add-in for Windows end-users. The setup wizard is built specifically for Maya, and has been tested world wide by thousands of users (e.g. ActiveSmoothPoly on highend3d.com).
Mason generates a setup wizard that is compatible with Maya 4.5 to Maya 8.5, Maya 2008 and Maya 2009 (x86/x64). [Updates for newer Maya versions are forthcoming]
The setup wizard will automatically places all MEL and Python scripts, MLL and icons
in the correct locations (based on
the Maya version).
After installation, your add-in's plugins
are automatically loaded.
The setup wizard uses an algorithm to detect the Maya paths and allows the user to browse for custom folders. The setup wizard will show only the required folders for the specific setup.
Automated shelf button installation
The feature we like the most is the ability to install shelf buttons. During the
installation the you can select in what shelf you want the script's button.
In addition the setup wizard integrates
start-up
scripts and links to your website and readme file
Community rating and promotion
Mason holds a sophisticated promotion mechanism. Upon installing your add-in, users
will be asked to recommend it.
Top performing add-ins (and newely released add-ins) will be promoted on 3dbe.com.
The data is collected anonymously and with full acknowledgment of both
the add-in developer and the end user.
visit homepage (in a new browser window)
Meet Maya Addin Manager
In your distribution, you have the choice to include the Addin Manager.
The Addin Manager allows the user to uninstall/reinstall your add-in at any given time. In addition to that, the add-in manager holds a smart mechanism that has the ability
to update the script
to a newer version. The Addin Manager is installed by the generated setup wizard (with the approval of the user).
You can achieve an online-update support for the add-in manager by
saving the z-file (not zip) offered right after your script/plug-in setup
wizard is generated. Users who wish to update their installed copy will
come across this message:
You have the choice whether to include the Addin Manager tool or not, in your distribution.
See It In Action
Wanna see how it looks like?
Check out these fine scripts utilize the Mason Engine:
Spansampler
Maya Clipboard
Download
Mason v3.1.0
Free Download (1.0MB)
Compatible with: Windows XP x86/x64, Windows Vista x86/x64