Search icon CANCEL
Subscription
0
Cart icon
Your Cart (0 item)
Close icon
You have no products in your basket yet
Save more on your purchases! discount-offer-chevron-icon
Savings automatically calculated. No voucher code required.
Arrow left icon
Explore Products
Best Sellers
New Releases
Books
Videos
Audiobooks
Learning Hub
Newsletter Hub
Free Learning
Arrow right icon
timer SALE ENDS IN
0 Days
:
00 Hours
:
00 Minutes
:
00 Seconds
Maya Programming with Python Cookbook
Maya Programming with Python Cookbook

Maya Programming with Python Cookbook: Master complex workflows and conquer the world with Python and Maya

Arrow left icon
Profile Icon Pankaj K P Singh Profile Icon Herbez
Arrow right icon
₱2500.99
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Empty star icon 4 (4 Ratings)
Paperback Jul 2016 266 pages 1st Edition
eBook
₱1799.99 ₱2000.99
Paperback
₱2500.99
Subscription
Free Trial
Arrow left icon
Profile Icon Pankaj K P Singh Profile Icon Herbez
Arrow right icon
₱2500.99
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Empty star icon 4 (4 Ratings)
Paperback Jul 2016 266 pages 1st Edition
eBook
₱1799.99 ₱2000.99
Paperback
₱2500.99
Subscription
Free Trial
eBook
₱1799.99 ₱2000.99
Paperback
₱2500.99
Subscription
Free Trial

What do you get with Print?

Product feature icon Instant access to your digital copy whilst your Print order is Shipped
Product feature icon Paperback book shipped to your preferred address
Product feature icon Redeem a companion digital copy on all Print orders
Product feature icon Access this title in our online reader with advanced features
Product feature icon DRM FREE - Read whenever, wherever and however you want
OR
Modal Close icon
Payment Processing...
tick Completed

Shipping Address

Billing Address

Shipping Methods
Table of content icon View table of contents Preview book icon Preview Book

Maya Programming with Python Cookbook

Chapter 2. Creating User Interfaces

In this chapter, we'll be taking a guided tour through Maya's collection of user interface elements and learning how to use them to create interfaces that you and your teammates will love to use. The following topics will be covered:

  • Making a basic window
  • Simple controls – making a button
  • Retrieving input from controls
  • Using classes to organize UI logic
  • Using nested layouts
  • Using tabs and scrolling
  • Adding menu to your UIs

Introduction

While it is by no means required to create a graphical user interface (GUI) for your scripts, you're likely to want one in almost all cases. Very often, you'll find yourself creating scripts that are meant to be used by your teammates, some of whom may be less comfortable with command-line tools.

In this chapter, we'll be looking at how to create windows, fill them with interface elements, and link those elements up to other functionality within Maya.

Making a basic window

All great user interfaces start with window. In this example, we'll be creating a simple window and using the text label control to add a simple message.

We'll end up with something like the following:

Making a basic window

How to do it...

Start by creating a new file in your scripts directory and naming it basic Window.py.

Add the following code:

import maya.cmds as cmds

def showUI():
    myWin = cmds.window(title="Simple Window", widthHeight=(300, 200))
    cmds.columnLayout()
    cmds.text(label="Hello, Maya!")

    cmds.showWindow(myWin)

showUI()

If you run the script, you should see a small window containing the text Hello, Maya!.

How it works...

To create a window, you'll need to use the window command.

myWin = cmds.window(title="Simple Window", widthHeight=(300, 200))

While all of the arguments are optional, there are a few that you'll generally want to include by default. Here, we're setting the title to "Simple Window" and...

Simple controls – making a button

Creating a window is only the beginning. In order to create a proper interface, we'll need to both add controls, and tie them to functionality. In this example, we'll be revisiting our good friend, the polyCube command, and tying it to a button press.

The resulting UI (and its output) will look similar to the following:

Simple controls – making a button

How to do it...

Create a new script and name it buttonExample.py. Add the following code:

import maya.cmds as cmds
def buttonFunction(args):
    cmds.polyCube()

def showUI():
    myWin = cmds.window(title="Button Example", widthHeight=(200, 200))
    cmds.columnLayout()
    cmds.button(label="Make Cube", command=buttonFunction)
    cmds.showWindow(myWin)
showUI()

Run the script, and you should see a 200 by 200 pixel window with a single button inside it. Pushing the button will create a polygonal cube with the default parameters.

How it works...

In order to trigger functionality from our UI, we'll first...

Retrieving input from controls

While you will often need to add one-way controls (such as buttons) that trigger functions upon user input, you will also often need to retrieve information from the user before taking an action. In this example, we'll be looking at how to grab input from field controls, in both integer and float varieties.

The finished script will create a given number of polygonal spheres, each with a given radius. The resulting UI will look like the following:

Retrieving input from controls

Pressing the Make Spheres button with the previously mentioned settings of 4 spheres at a radius of 0.5 units each will result in a line of spheres along the x-axis:

Retrieving input from controls

How to do it...

Create a new script and name it makeSpheres.py. Add the following code:

import maya.cmds as cmds

global sphereCountField
global sphereRadiusField

def showUI():
    global sphereCountField
    global sphereRadiusField

    myWin = cmds.window(title="Make Spheres", widthHeight=(300, 200))
    cmds.columnLayout()
    sphereCountField...

Using classes to organize UI logic

Using global variables is one way to allow the different parts of your script communicate with each other, but there's a better way. Instead of using globals, you can organize your script using custom class.

Creating a class for your script will not only allow you to easily access UI elements from various functions, but it will also make it easy to neatly contain other kinds of data, useful in more advanced scripts.

How to do it...

Create a new script and name it SpheresClass.py. Add the following code:

import maya.cmds as cmds

class SpheresClass:

    def __init__(self):
        self.win = cmds.window(title="Make Spheres", widthHeight=(300,200))
        cmds.columnLayout()
        self.numSpheres = cmds.intField(minValue=1)
        cmds.button(label="Make Spheres", command=self.makeSpheres)
        cmds.showWindow(self.win)

    def makeSpheres(self, *args):
        number = cmds.intField(self.numSpheres, query=True, value=True)...

Using nested layouts

Very often, the interfaces that you'll want to create cannot be implemented with a single layout. In those cases, you'll need to nest layouts inside each other.

In this example, we'll create rowLayouts within a single columnLayout. Each rowLayout will allow us to have two controls (in this case, some text and intField) next to each other horizontally, and the parent columnLayout will stack the combined text/field pairs on top of each other vertically.

The end result will be something like this:

Using nested layouts

How to do it...

Make a new script and name it nestedLayouts.py. Add the following code:

import maya.cmds as cmds

class NestedLayouts:

    def __init__(self):
        self.win = cmds.window(title="Nested Layouts", widthHeight=(300,200))
        cmds.columnLayout()
        
        cmds.rowLayout(numberOfColumns=2)
        cmds.text(label="Input One:")
        self.inputOne = cmds.intField()
        cmds.setParent("..")
        
      ...

Introduction


While it is by no means required to create a graphical user interface (GUI) for your scripts, you're likely to want one in almost all cases. Very often, you'll find yourself creating scripts that are meant to be used by your teammates, some of whom may be less comfortable with command-line tools.

In this chapter, we'll be looking at how to create windows, fill them with interface elements, and link those elements up to other functionality within Maya.

Making a basic window


All great user interfaces start with window. In this example, we'll be creating a simple window and using the text label control to add a simple message.

We'll end up with something like the following:

How to do it...

Start by creating a new file in your scripts directory and naming it basic Window.py.

Add the following code:

import maya.cmds as cmds

def showUI():
    myWin = cmds.window(title="Simple Window", widthHeight=(300, 200))
    cmds.columnLayout()
    cmds.text(label="Hello, Maya!")

    cmds.showWindow(myWin)

showUI()

If you run the script, you should see a small window containing the text Hello, Maya!.

How it works...

To create a window, you'll need to use the window command.

myWin = cmds.window(title="Simple Window", widthHeight=(300, 200))

While all of the arguments are optional, there are a few that you'll generally want to include by default. Here, we're setting the title to "Simple Window" and the size of the window to 300 pixels wide by 200 pixels tall. Also...

Left arrow icon Right arrow icon
Download code icon Download Code

Key benefits

  • Improve your modelling skills and reduce your scripting problems using Python in Maya
  • Learn to communicate with web applications using Python for easier team development
  • A quick and practical answer to every problem you can have whilst scripting in Maya with Python

Description

Maya is a 3D graphics and animation software, used to develop interactive 3D applications and games with stupendous visual effects. The Maya Programming with Python Cookbook is all about creating fast, powerful automation systems with minimum coding using Maya Python. With the help of insightful and essential recipes, this book will help you improve your modelling skills. Expand your development options and overcome scripting problems encountered whilst developing code in Maya. Right from the beginning, get solutions to complex development concerns faced when implementing as parts of build.

Who is this book for?

This book is for Python developers who have just started scripting with Maya.

What you will learn

  • * Find out how to use Python scripting to automate tedious tasks
  • * Create functional user interfaces to make scripts easy to share with others
  • * Add new functionality to Maya via the power of scripting
  • * Import and export arbitrary data into and out of Maya
  • * Improve your workflow, and that of your team
  • * Create custom create custom controls to make rigs that are easy to work with
  • * Implement a system to render 3D assets for isometric games
  • * Use script jobs to trigger actions automatically in response to user interaction
  • * Open a command port to allow other applications to communicate with Maya
Estimated delivery fee Deliver to Philippines

Standard delivery 10 - 13 business days

₱492.95

Premium delivery 5 - 8 business days

₱2548.95
(Includes tracking information)

Product Details

Country selected
Publication date, Length, Edition, Language, ISBN-13
Publication date : Jul 29, 2016
Length: 266 pages
Edition : 1st
Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781785283987
Languages :
Tools :

What do you get with Print?

Product feature icon Instant access to your digital copy whilst your Print order is Shipped
Product feature icon Paperback book shipped to your preferred address
Product feature icon Redeem a companion digital copy on all Print orders
Product feature icon Access this title in our online reader with advanced features
Product feature icon DRM FREE - Read whenever, wherever and however you want
OR
Modal Close icon
Payment Processing...
tick Completed

Shipping Address

Billing Address

Shipping Methods
Estimated delivery fee Deliver to Philippines

Standard delivery 10 - 13 business days

₱492.95

Premium delivery 5 - 8 business days

₱2548.95
(Includes tracking information)

Product Details

Publication date : Jul 29, 2016
Length: 266 pages
Edition : 1st
Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781785283987
Languages :
Tools :

Packt Subscriptions

See our plans and pricing
Modal Close icon
$19.99 billed monthly
Feature tick icon Unlimited access to Packt's library of 7,000+ practical books and videos
Feature tick icon Constantly refreshed with 50+ new titles a month
Feature tick icon Exclusive Early access to books as they're written
Feature tick icon Solve problems while you work with advanced search and reference features
Feature tick icon Offline reading on the mobile app
Feature tick icon Simple pricing, no contract
$199.99 billed annually
Feature tick icon Unlimited access to Packt's library of 7,000+ practical books and videos
Feature tick icon Constantly refreshed with 50+ new titles a month
Feature tick icon Exclusive Early access to books as they're written
Feature tick icon Solve problems while you work with advanced search and reference features
Feature tick icon Offline reading on the mobile app
Feature tick icon Choose a DRM-free eBook or Video every month to keep
Feature tick icon PLUS own as many other DRM-free eBooks or Videos as you like for just ₱260 each
Feature tick icon Exclusive print discounts
$279.99 billed in 18 months
Feature tick icon Unlimited access to Packt's library of 7,000+ practical books and videos
Feature tick icon Constantly refreshed with 50+ new titles a month
Feature tick icon Exclusive Early access to books as they're written
Feature tick icon Solve problems while you work with advanced search and reference features
Feature tick icon Offline reading on the mobile app
Feature tick icon Choose a DRM-free eBook or Video every month to keep
Feature tick icon PLUS own as many other DRM-free eBooks or Videos as you like for just ₱260 each
Feature tick icon Exclusive print discounts

Frequently bought together


Stars icon
Total 7,247.97
Maya Programming with Python Cookbook
₱2500.99
Practical Maya Programming with Python
₱2500.99
Python Game Programming By Example
₱2245.99
Total 7,247.97 Stars icon

Table of Contents

11 Chapters
1. Getting Started with Maya Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
2. Creating User Interfaces Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
3. Working with Geometry Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
4. Giving Things a Coat of Paint – UVs and Materials Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
5. Adding Controls – Scripting for Rigging Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
6. Making Things Move – Scripting for Animation Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
7. Scripting for Rendering Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
8. Working with File Input/Output Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
9. Communicating with the Web Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
10. Advanced Topics Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Index Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Customer reviews

Rating distribution
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Empty star icon 4
(4 Ratings)
5 star 50%
4 star 0%
3 star 50%
2 star 0%
1 star 0%
SKP May 10, 2023
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
Had this book on my reading list for a class, it has helped a LOT. Wouldn't say it ‘s totally beginner friendly, but a few YouTube videos to get a proper introduction, this book is a great resource to have handy. It explains things well and when combined with the Python help in Maya you can get a lot out of it, I was surprised!
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Joseph Hocking Aug 12, 2016
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
I've been meaning to learn about this topic for a while, and this was a great intro. The very weekend after I got the book I'd already written (and released on the Internet) a "dropper", one useful script to export scene data as either JSONor XML.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
steven verborgh Sep 22, 2016
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Empty star icon Empty star icon 3
It's a "cookbook" kind of book ... as to be expected. Don't expect great insights, but exemplary pieces of code that demonstrate some things. It had nice short topic on shader networks, which is not something that is easily found elsewhere. It might have contained some more advanced recipes, but for a start it's a nice bedside material book.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Oliver Reischl Oct 04, 2017
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Empty star icon Empty star icon 3
For example it only mentions PyMel at one point in the whole book and warns about the possibility of poorer performance. While this is not necessary untrue, it's a very narrow look on what Pymel is and misses the fact, that pymel also wraps part of the purely c++ maya API and will be much faster in other situations. Also it purely focuses on standard maya UI scripting, while by now professional technical artists in general favor the Qt-framework (which Maya itself is built on).On the flipside it has some unmentioned requirements: The idea of classes isn't really explained, which might stumble beginners coming only from MEL. And the python package manager PIP is mentioned for installation of the Python Image library, which is a slippery slope, as the installation of other modules is very tricky. Modules featuring C or C++ libs need to be compiled from source, as Maya Python uses a different compiler version than standard Python. Also PIP doesn't consider Maya when installing modules, which might mess with your installation. (PIL seems to come preinstalled with Maya 2017 though.)It's still a good start to get into scripting, but if you're already quite familiar with Maya scripting and Python, this book won't teach you many new tricks. And it's not doing a great job with teaching you how to create clean code, which will be an issue once your scripts extend beyond 1000 to 10k lines. Finally this book leans very towards the very "un-pythonesque" Maya-style of scripting, while most professionals will tell you that coding the Python-way is far superior.So accept the book for what it is: If you scripted a little, you will learn a lot and increase your production output a lot. You might even be able to support a small team of artists with tools. But once you go beyond that, you will need to look for more pro-information and tutorials.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Get free access to Packt library with over 7500+ books and video courses for 7 days!
Start Free Trial

FAQs

What is the digital copy I get with my Print order? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

When you buy any Print edition of our Books, you can redeem (for free) the eBook edition of the Print Book you’ve purchased. This gives you instant access to your book when you make an order via PDF, EPUB or our online Reader experience.

What is the delivery time and cost of print book? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Shipping Details

USA:

'

Economy: Delivery to most addresses in the US within 10-15 business days

Premium: Trackable Delivery to most addresses in the US within 3-8 business days

UK:

Economy: Delivery to most addresses in the U.K. within 7-9 business days.
Shipments are not trackable

Premium: Trackable delivery to most addresses in the U.K. within 3-4 business days!
Add one extra business day for deliveries to Northern Ireland and Scottish Highlands and islands

EU:

Premium: Trackable delivery to most EU destinations within 4-9 business days.

Australia:

Economy: Can deliver to P. O. Boxes and private residences.
Trackable service with delivery to addresses in Australia only.
Delivery time ranges from 7-9 business days for VIC and 8-10 business days for Interstate metro
Delivery time is up to 15 business days for remote areas of WA, NT & QLD.

Premium: Delivery to addresses in Australia only
Trackable delivery to most P. O. Boxes and private residences in Australia within 4-5 days based on the distance to a destination following dispatch.

India:

Premium: Delivery to most Indian addresses within 5-6 business days

Rest of the World:

Premium: Countries in the American continent: Trackable delivery to most countries within 4-7 business days

Asia:

Premium: Delivery to most Asian addresses within 5-9 business days

Disclaimer:
All orders received before 5 PM U.K time would start printing from the next business day. So the estimated delivery times start from the next day as well. Orders received after 5 PM U.K time (in our internal systems) on a business day or anytime on the weekend will begin printing the second to next business day. For example, an order placed at 11 AM today will begin printing tomorrow, whereas an order placed at 9 PM tonight will begin printing the day after tomorrow.


Unfortunately, due to several restrictions, we are unable to ship to the following countries:

  1. Afghanistan
  2. American Samoa
  3. Belarus
  4. Brunei Darussalam
  5. Central African Republic
  6. The Democratic Republic of Congo
  7. Eritrea
  8. Guinea-bissau
  9. Iran
  10. Lebanon
  11. Libiya Arab Jamahriya
  12. Somalia
  13. Sudan
  14. Russian Federation
  15. Syrian Arab Republic
  16. Ukraine
  17. Venezuela
What is custom duty/charge? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Customs duty are charges levied on goods when they cross international borders. It is a tax that is imposed on imported goods. These duties are charged by special authorities and bodies created by local governments and are meant to protect local industries, economies, and businesses.

Do I have to pay customs charges for the print book order? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

The orders shipped to the countries that are listed under EU27 will not bear custom charges. They are paid by Packt as part of the order.

List of EU27 countries: www.gov.uk/eu-eea:

A custom duty or localized taxes may be applicable on the shipment and would be charged by the recipient country outside of the EU27 which should be paid by the customer and these duties are not included in the shipping charges been charged on the order.

How do I know my custom duty charges? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

The amount of duty payable varies greatly depending on the imported goods, the country of origin and several other factors like the total invoice amount or dimensions like weight, and other such criteria applicable in your country.

For example:

  • If you live in Mexico, and the declared value of your ordered items is over $ 50, for you to receive a package, you will have to pay additional import tax of 19% which will be $ 9.50 to the courier service.
  • Whereas if you live in Turkey, and the declared value of your ordered items is over € 22, for you to receive a package, you will have to pay additional import tax of 18% which will be € 3.96 to the courier service.
How can I cancel my order? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Cancellation Policy for Published Printed Books:

You can cancel any order within 1 hour of placing the order. Simply contact customercare@packt.com with your order details or payment transaction id. If your order has already started the shipment process, we will do our best to stop it. However, if it is already on the way to you then when you receive it, you can contact us at customercare@packt.com using the returns and refund process.

Please understand that Packt Publishing cannot provide refunds or cancel any order except for the cases described in our Return Policy (i.e. Packt Publishing agrees to replace your printed book because it arrives damaged or material defect in book), Packt Publishing will not accept returns.

What is your returns and refunds policy? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Return Policy:

We want you to be happy with your purchase from Packtpub.com. We will not hassle you with returning print books to us. If the print book you receive from us is incorrect, damaged, doesn't work or is unacceptably late, please contact Customer Relations Team on customercare@packt.com with the order number and issue details as explained below:

  1. If you ordered (eBook, Video or Print Book) incorrectly or accidentally, please contact Customer Relations Team on customercare@packt.com within one hour of placing the order and we will replace/refund you the item cost.
  2. Sadly, if your eBook or Video file is faulty or a fault occurs during the eBook or Video being made available to you, i.e. during download then you should contact Customer Relations Team within 14 days of purchase on customercare@packt.com who will be able to resolve this issue for you.
  3. You will have a choice of replacement or refund of the problem items.(damaged, defective or incorrect)
  4. Once Customer Care Team confirms that you will be refunded, you should receive the refund within 10 to 12 working days.
  5. If you are only requesting a refund of one book from a multiple order, then we will refund you the appropriate single item.
  6. Where the items were shipped under a free shipping offer, there will be no shipping costs to refund.

On the off chance your printed book arrives damaged, with book material defect, contact our Customer Relation Team on customercare@packt.com within 14 days of receipt of the book with appropriate evidence of damage and we will work with you to secure a replacement copy, if necessary. Please note that each printed book you order from us is individually made by Packt's professional book-printing partner which is on a print-on-demand basis.

What tax is charged? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Currently, no tax is charged on the purchase of any print book (subject to change based on the laws and regulations). A localized VAT fee is charged only to our European and UK customers on eBooks, Video and subscriptions that they buy. GST is charged to Indian customers for eBooks and video purchases.

What payment methods can I use? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

You can pay with the following card types:

  1. Visa Debit
  2. Visa Credit
  3. MasterCard
  4. PayPal
What is the delivery time and cost of print books? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Shipping Details

USA:

'

Economy: Delivery to most addresses in the US within 10-15 business days

Premium: Trackable Delivery to most addresses in the US within 3-8 business days

UK:

Economy: Delivery to most addresses in the U.K. within 7-9 business days.
Shipments are not trackable

Premium: Trackable delivery to most addresses in the U.K. within 3-4 business days!
Add one extra business day for deliveries to Northern Ireland and Scottish Highlands and islands

EU:

Premium: Trackable delivery to most EU destinations within 4-9 business days.

Australia:

Economy: Can deliver to P. O. Boxes and private residences.
Trackable service with delivery to addresses in Australia only.
Delivery time ranges from 7-9 business days for VIC and 8-10 business days for Interstate metro
Delivery time is up to 15 business days for remote areas of WA, NT & QLD.

Premium: Delivery to addresses in Australia only
Trackable delivery to most P. O. Boxes and private residences in Australia within 4-5 days based on the distance to a destination following dispatch.

India:

Premium: Delivery to most Indian addresses within 5-6 business days

Rest of the World:

Premium: Countries in the American continent: Trackable delivery to most countries within 4-7 business days

Asia:

Premium: Delivery to most Asian addresses within 5-9 business days

Disclaimer:
All orders received before 5 PM U.K time would start printing from the next business day. So the estimated delivery times start from the next day as well. Orders received after 5 PM U.K time (in our internal systems) on a business day or anytime on the weekend will begin printing the second to next business day. For example, an order placed at 11 AM today will begin printing tomorrow, whereas an order placed at 9 PM tonight will begin printing the day after tomorrow.


Unfortunately, due to several restrictions, we are unable to ship to the following countries:

  1. Afghanistan
  2. American Samoa
  3. Belarus
  4. Brunei Darussalam
  5. Central African Republic
  6. The Democratic Republic of Congo
  7. Eritrea
  8. Guinea-bissau
  9. Iran
  10. Lebanon
  11. Libiya Arab Jamahriya
  12. Somalia
  13. Sudan
  14. Russian Federation
  15. Syrian Arab Republic
  16. Ukraine
  17. Venezuela
Modal Close icon
Modal Close icon