Attribute Batcher: Automating Maya Rigging tasks without writing Scripts.
by Vicente C.
Published |
35
Anyone who spends enough time rigging in Maya eventually runs into the same problem.
Many attribute operations only affect a single object, even when you have multiple selected. Setting values, renaming attributes, or creating connections often means repeating the same action over and over again.
Simple batch operations only take a few lines of Python, but over time those scripts begin to pile up. Eventually, you end up with a shelf full of custom tools, and it becomes easier to write a new script than find an old one.
Attribute Batcher came out of that problem.
The idea is simple.
Select the objects, start the tool, make a change in Maya, and press Apply. Attribute Batcher records what happened and repeats the same operation across multiple objects.
While building the tool, Borovik ran into limitations with Maya's Script Editor when trying to track attribute changes. Some actions were not displayed at all, while others triggered several commands at once.
To solve this, Borovik used Maya's callback system to detect attribute changes and recreate the same operation across multiple objects.
The tool then converts the result into standard maya.cmds commands and prints them to a Python log.
objects = ["node1", "node2", "node3"]
for obj in objects:
cmds.setAttr(obj + ".attributeName", attribute_value)According to Borovik, the Python log can also help artists learn Python for Maya, since users can inspect the resulting commands and see exactly what the tool executed.
The tool supports operations such as:
- setting attribute values
- creating or removing connections
- editing limits and enum values
- adding, removing, or renaming attributes
- locking or unlocking attributes
- changing keyable states
Borovik notes that the tool can often be useful beyond rigging, since many Maya operations involve attributes.
It also understands the difference between transforms and shapes. Users can select multiple transforms, edit a shape attribute once, and apply the same change to their corresponding shapes.
The Pro version expands the idea further. It can record node creation and recreate connection setups between groups of objects. It also includes additional tools for managing attributes and connections.
According to Borovik, this is especially useful when modifying existing rigs.
According to Borovik, this is especially useful when modifying existing rigs.
If you want to learn more or try the tool, the links will be right below.
- Attribute Batcher: https://borovikmotion.gumroad.com/l/attribute_batcher
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/slava-baravik-29422a102/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@borovikmotion
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