Deploy your add-in with Style
Mason v3.0.3
Free Download (1.9MB)
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 (both x86 and x64)
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 any add-in you have.
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) in 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, and it will collect only the required files. Created by developers for
developers |
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create a setup wizard for Windows platforms (for now). You can also provide your
windows users with a smart add-in manager tailored for your add-in. |
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smart design in design time. One time setup for all scripts, plugins and other file types. |
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the windows setup wizard is exceptionally smart. Also allows to add shelf buttons |
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enlarge traffic to your homepage by promote 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 in 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 will allow 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.
Generating a setup
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.
Give us the scripts, and we'll do the rest.
About the generated setup wizard
We've invested a lot of time and effort about the setup wizard. Mason creates a
smart setup wizard with emphasis on Maya's way of work. And here's what we focused
on:
Compatibility of the setup wizard is crucial. Fortunately, Mason generates a smart
setup wizard that is compatible with Maya 4.5 to Maya 8.5, Maya 2008 and Maya 2009(both x86 and x64).
The setup wizard will automatically place all MEL and Python scripts, MLL and icons
in the correct locations (based on
the Maya version). Plugins
will be automatically loaded.
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
Simplistic Approach
We've built Mason as a smart application. For example, you never have to save your
project, it is automatically saved.
Also, 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)
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.
This design enables
you to operate Mason fully on your first use
of it.
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.
Configure your script or plug-in
setup only once
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.
Meet Maya Addin Manager
The generated setup wizard also has the option
to install a tool called the "Addin Manager For Autodesk® Maya®".
This tool 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.
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 v3.0.3
Free Download (1.9MB)