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Abctexture

by Mattias Lind·Workflow

Images © Mattias Lind. Used for product review; image policy.

Why we like it

Abctexture stands out in the Superhive library for pairing a Blender add-on with a Maya script to carry texture assignments through formats that don't natively support shader info.

What is Abctexture?

Abctexture is a Blender add-on paired with a Maya script for moving texture assignments between the two applications, including with file formats such as Alembic that don't natively carry shader information. In Blender, a single button assigns all textures on the selected objects to attributes. The accompanying Maya script then reads those attributes and assigns the textures back to selected objects, also with a single click. The extra attributes are what carry the data, so it works with formats beyond Alembic too.

The add-on covers a range of texture types, including base color, roughness, metallic, normal, opacity, emissive, and bump, and handles the necessary attributes so models appear as intended. In Blender it adds a button in the sidebar of the 3D view, and installation and use in Maya are described as straightforward.

The add-on supports objects that contain one shader, so face assignments with multiple shaders are not allowed. Use one Principled BSDF per object. If attributes don't appear directly in Blender, deselect and reselect the object. When exporting Alembic, name the UV set to map1 so Maya picks the right one.

Who is Abctexture best for?

Abctexture is best for 3D artists moving models with texture assignments between Blender and Maya, including through Alembic and other formats.

How much does Abctexture cost?

Abctexture is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • Single-button assignment in Blender that writes all textures on selected objects to attributes
  • Accompanying Maya script that reads those attributes and reassigns textures with one click
  • Covers base color, roughness, metallic, normal, opacity, emissive, and bump texture types
  • Works with formats beyond Alembic, using extra attributes to carry the data
  • Adds a button in the sidebar of the Blender 3D view
  • Documentation included

Tags

#Blender#Maya#Alembic#texture#pipeline#shader#Python#export

Frequently asked questions

What Blender versions does Abctexture support?

Abctexture lists support for Blender versions 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, and 3.6. The Blender side adds a single button in the sidebar of the 3D view that assigns textures on selected objects to attributes. There is also an accompanying Maya script that reads those attributes back. For the current version list and any newer compatibility details, check the developer's page before installing.

Does Abctexture work with formats other than Alembic?

Abctexture works with other formats as well, not just Alembic. The mechanism relies on extra attributes that carry the texture data, so the assignments can travel through formats that don't natively support shader information. When exporting Alembic specifically, name your UV set to map1 so that Maya picks the right one. The add-on covers base color, roughness, metallic, normal, opacity, emissive, and bump texture types across the transfer.

Does Abctexture support objects with multiple shaders?

Abctexture supports objects that contain one shader, so face assignments with multiple shaders are not allowed. The recommendation is to use one Principled BSDF per object. If the attributes don't show directly in Blender after assignment, deselect and reselect your object and they will appear. Following these constraints helps ensure textures are handled correctly when the Maya script reassigns them to your selected objects.

Is Abctexture free to use?

Abctexture is listed as free in this catalog and is distributed under the GPL license. For current licensing terms and any purchase details, refer to the developer's page. The download includes documentation to help with setup, and the developer describes installation and use in both Blender and Maya as straightforward. A demo video is also available for reference.

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