In order to allow Harmony to render 3D models using Autodesk Maya, you must include the original Maya project file in the element folder where the 3D model was imported, along with all its textures. The project must be renamed to have the same file name as the imported 3D model, so that Harmony can locate it and send it to Autodesk Maya for rendering.
Harmony will take the transformations done on the imported 3D model and its subnodes, and apply them to the model in the original Maya project so that it is rendered with the animation done in Harmony. Hence, the imported 3D model must be in the same size and position as the model in the Maya project. However, it is possible to use a 3D model with lower resolution textures or no textures at all, as well as less detail in the geometry, in the Harmony scene, to help with performance when manipulating the 3D model in Harmony. This will not affect the rendered image, as the original Maya project will be used to render the scene.
How to set up rendering
- In a file browser, locate and copy the original Maya project file along with all its textures. The extension of the project file should either me .mb or .ma.
- Browse to the folder of the scene's element in which the 3D model was imported. This folder should be located in the scene's root folder, in the elements subfolder. For example, if your scene is located in C:\Documents\MyScene and the element is named LR_ship, the element folder would be located in C:\Documents\MyScene\elements\Ship.
The 3D model that was imported in the Harmony scene should be located in this folder.
- Paste the Maya project files and its textures in the element's folder.
- Rename the Maya project file to have the same file name as the imported 3D model file, but preserve its file extension. For example, if the imported 3D model is named Ship-1.fbx and your Maya project file is named pirateship.ma, rename the Maya project to Ship-1.ma.
- Harmony will now be able to use Maya project file when attempting to render the 3D model.