Maya load variant sets USD

[MarkusRowdy]

Is it possible to load specific variants from multiple sets in maya?

I created an asset in Houdini and published is as USD Asset. The asset has a “Main” variant, and a “Broken” variant. Both in the {layer} set.

I crated a different set “hat” for the same asset which includes two variants.
All 4 variants are in the model department layer.

When I load this asset in my houdini shot, I can mix those variants freely.

However, in Maya I can’t find a way to load the asset with the ‘broken’ variant AND one of the “hat” variants at the same time.

[MarkusRowdy]

I assume, we switch the variant in maya by switching the folder in the Scene Inventory.

However, all variants, regardles of their set appear in a single dropdown. That way only one variant from one set can be loaded.

I might be missing something here. Is this the correct way to choose variants in Maya?

[mustafa_jafar]

@BigRoy does it sound like a limitation in Maya?
Does Maya set one variant if the same asset loaded multiple times?

Also, I’m wondering: Do we want to see more information in the scene inventory like which variant is selected in the loaded USD asset?

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At this point the termonlogies might mix up.
Becasue AYON product variant is not the same as USD product variant.
Fortunatly, we bake the product variant in the product name to minimize any potential confusin… imagine seeing variant column in loader and then ask yourself, what USD variants are available in this AYON USD product variant?

[BigRoy]

@MarkusRowdy

However, in Maya I can’t find a way to load the asset with the ‘broken’ variant AND one of the “hat” variants at the same time.

The joys of Maya. In which way are you loading into Maya?

If it is to a Maya USD Proxy shape, then inside the Maya USD Proxy you can toggle variants (it’ll remain USD data in the proxy).

If you’re loading it to native maya geometry from the beginning. Then I believe there’s a way to force a variant to be used, but I haven’t played much with that.

Which Loader are you using?\

@mustafa_jafar

At this point the termonlogies might mix up.
Becasue AYON product variant is not the same as USD product variant.
Fortunatly, we bake the product variant in the product name to minimize any potential confusin… imagine seeing variant column in loader and then ask yourself, what USD variants are available in this AYON USD product variant?

Haha how about USD’s RenderProduct with productName attribute.

[mustafa_jafar]

@BigRoy

Haha how about USD’s RenderProduct with productName attribute.

Oh boy, Dr. seuss will love it!

[MarkusRowdy]

Thanks for the fast replies!

Previously, I was using the Reference Maya USD loader. Couldn’t find a way to load USD variants.

However, after you mentioned it, I tried to load Load USD to Maya Proxy loader. That way, I can load the variants natively in Maya

So far, we tried to stay away from Mayas native USD stage, but I guess we should give it a try.

@mustafa_jafar I’m not sure if I understand your answer about Ayon Variants and USD Variants being not the same. To me, it looks like the Ayon variants I specify while publishing, are perfectly reflected in the outcoming usd file.

[mustafa_jafar]

@MarkusRowdy

image1567×865 110 KB

let’s take a moment to appreciate these cool test models!
Man, Pigs with hats are so awesome!

@MarkusRowdy

@mustafa_jafar I’m not sure if I understand your answer about Ayon Variants and USD Variants being not the same. To me, it looks like the Ayon variants I specify while publishing, are perfectly reflected in the outcoming usd file.

Correct, they are perfectly reflected, as we are re-using the AYON variant name as USD asset product value.