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How Do I Change Environment Variables in Maya?

Published in Maya Environment Variables 3 mins read

You can change environment variables in Maya by creating and modifying a text file named Maya.env. This file allows you to define variables that Maya reads upon startup.

Modifying Environment Variables Using Maya.env

The primary method for changing environment variables that affect Maya's behavior is through the use of a specific text file. This file acts as a central place to set custom paths, options, and other variables.

Here are the steps based on the provided information:

  1. Create the File: Create a plain text file. You must name this file exactly Maya.env.
  2. Locate the Directory: Save the Maya.env file to one of Maya's designated user directories. The exact location varies depending on your operating system (e.g., specific paths on Windows® or Mac OS X). Maya looks for this file in particular locations when it starts.
  3. Define Variables: Open the Maya.env file in a text editor. Set each environment variable you want to change or define on a single line.
  4. Use the Correct Format: Each variable definition must follow the format:
    <NAME>=<value>
    Here, <NAME> is the name of the environment variable (e.g., MAYA_SCRIPT_PATH, PYTHONPATH), and <value> is the value you want to assign to it (e.g., a file path or a number).

You can set any variable using this method, including standard Maya variables or ones that you define yourself for custom scripts or plugins.

Understanding the Maya.env Syntax

The syntax is straightforward: one variable definition per line, using the equals sign (=) to separate the variable name from its value.

  • VARIABLE_NAME=C:\path\to\your\files
  • ANOTHER_VAR=1
  • MAYA_MODULE_PATH=/Users/username/maya/modules

Important: Ensure there are no spaces before or after the equals sign unless they are part of the variable name or value itself. Each variable must be on its own line.

Example of a Maya.env File

Here's a simple example of what your Maya.env file might look like:

MAYA_SCRIPT_PATH=/path/to/my/custom/scripts
PYTHONPATH=/path/to/my/python/modules
MY_CUSTOM_SETTING=enabled

This example sets a custom script path, adds a directory to the Python path, and defines a user-created variable.

Why Use the Maya.env File?

Using the Maya.env file is a standard and clean way to customize your Maya environment without modifying core Maya installation files. It makes it easier to:

  • Manage custom script and plugin paths.
  • Set default project locations.
  • Configure Maya's behavior for specific workflows.
  • Keep your customizations separate from the main installation, simplifying updates and management.

By placing your environment variable definitions in Maya.env, Maya reads these settings every time it launches, ensuring your preferred configuration is active.

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