Key features of Maya

From fantastic creatures to sweeping landscapes and explosive battle sequences, the Academy Award–winning Maya® toolset is a top choice for creating believable characters and the worlds around them.

Bifrost for Maya

Create physically accurate simulations in a single visual programming environment.

USD in Maya

Load and edit large datasets quickly and work directly with data using native tools.

Fast playback

Review animations faster and produce fewer playblasts with cached playback in Viewport 2.0.

Unreal Live Link for Maya

Stream animation data from Maya to Unreal in real time with the Unreal Live Link for Maya plug-in.

Time editor

Make high-level animation edits with a nondestructive, clip-based nonlinear editor.

Graph editor

Create, view, and modify animation curves using a graphical representation of scene animation.

Polygon modeling

Create 3D models using geometry based on vertices, edges, and faces.

NURBS modeling

Construct 3D models from geometric primitives and drawn curves.

Character setup

Create sophisticated skeletons, IK handles, and deformers for characters that deliver lifelike performances.

Integrated Arnold renderer

Use Arnold Render View to view scene changes in real time, including lighting, materials, and cameras.

More features of Maya

Dynamics and effects

Bifrost visual programming environment

Create physically accurate and incredibly detailed simulations in a single visual programming environment. 


Simulations

Deliver natural looking effects like smoke, snow, or particles with Aero, MPM, and Particles systems.


Scattering

Use Bifrost’s scatter nodes to procedurally scatter objects like trees or stones.


Ready-to-use graphs

Create great-looking effects, such as explosions and dust storms, right out of the box with prebuilt graphs.


Interactive hair grooming

Use powerful interactive groom tools to create realistic hair and fur for your characters.


Physics and effects

Create highly realistic rigid, soft-body, cloth, and particle simulations.