Scripts and Plugins

Maya has most of your needs by default but lacks some features that you can add through scripts and plugins. Besides adding new features, scripts can also be used to speed up your workflow.

Everyone has their preferences when it comes to their preferred scripts and plugins. But I am going to recommend a few.

Scripts

Scripts are segments of code that automate some tasks. They don't have a UI and are often assigned to a hotkey or shelf button.

The more you work within Maya the more you are going to utilise script and even create your own. Scripts can be written in MEL or Python.

There are plenty of scripts available for free on the web as well as some that you have to purchase.

Adding a script

Every script is different in how to install or run it. Most scripts will include a how-to-install file.

Scripts that you get will be written out in either Mel or Python and sometimes include notes to let you know what each part of the script is doing.

Here is an example of a perspective camera toggle Mel script: Toggle Persp Camera Script

Scripts that I use

There are a few scripts that I use on a day-to-day basis.

Plugins

Plugins are similar to scripts in that they can automate several tasks. But unlike scripts, they usually have a UI and can add additional functions to Maya.