Maya

You can control Autodesk Maya with an AI assistant through a production-ready MCP server that exposes 30+ tools. This server lets you send natural-language prompts to perform tasks like creating primitives, modeling, materials, lighting, scene organization, animation, and deformations, all while handling errors and logging for reliable use in production.

How to use

To use the Maya MCP server, connect an MCP-compatible client (such as Claude Desktop or another MCP client) to the local Maya command port. You will issue natural language prompts describing the actions you want, and the server translates those prompts into Maya operations using the built-in command port. Typical workflows include creating shapes, applying materials, arranging scene hierarchies, and animating keyframes.

How to install

Prerequisites you need before installation:

• Python 3.8 or higher
• Autodesk Maya 2020 or higher
• Claude Desktop or any MCP-compatible client

Step 1. Install Python dependencies and prepare the server environment.

cd maya-mcp-server
pip install -r requirements.txt

Step 2. Open Maya and enable the MCP command port. In the Maya Script Editor (Python tab), run these commands to start the server port for MCP communication.

import maya.cmds as cmds
cmds.commandPort(name="localhost:4434", sourceType="python", echoOutput=False)
print("Maya ready for MCP!")

Step 3. Configure your MCP client to point to the Maya MCP server. Create or edit the client configuration to include the Maya MCP server details as shown.

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "maya": {
      "command": "python3",
      "args": ["/FULL/PATH/TO/maya-mcp-server/src/expanded_mcp_server.py"],
      "env": {
        "MAYA_HOST": "localhost",
        "MAYA_PORT": "4434"
      }
    }
  }
}

Step 4. Restart the MCP client after saving the configuration.

Step 5. Start creating with prompts. For example: create a torus, bevel its edges, and apply a gold metallic material.

Additional configuration and tips

You can customize how Maya connects by adjusting the host and port values. Use MAYA_HOST to set the Maya hostname (default is localhost) and MAYA_PORT to set the command port (default is 4434).

Testing

Verify the connection by running a quick test from your MCP client or by executing a connection test script if provided in your setup.

Available tools

create_primitive

Create any primitive shape. Access 19 primitive types including polygon and NURBS to build your base geometry.

extrude_mesh

Extrude selected faces or edges to extend geometry and form complex shapes.

bevel_edges

Bevel edges for smooth transitions and realistic hard-surface joins.

smooth_mesh

Apply smoothing to improve surface quality and subdivision results.

boolean_operations

Perform boolean operations to combine or subtract geometry.

combine_components

Combine multiple meshes into a single object for unified editing.

separate_components

Separate a combined mesh back into individual components.

point_lighting

Add and adjust Point lights to illuminate scenes.

directional_lighting

Add Directional lights for sun-like illumination and broad shading.

spot_lighting

Create Spot lights with targeted illumination and falloff control.

area_lighting

Use Area lights for soft, realistic lighting in scenes.

ambient_lighting

Apply ambient lighting to provide base illumination.

volume_lighting

Configure Volume lighting for atmospheric effects.

apply_material

Assign materials such as Lambert, Blinn, Phong, or PBR to objects.

organize_scene

Organize the scene with grouping, parenting, and layout arrangements like grid or circle.

duplicate

Duplicate objects to create copies or instance variants.

keyframe_transforms

Animate objects by setting keyframes for translation, rotation, and scale.

cameras_curves

Create and manage cameras and curves for animation paths and composition.

deformers_editing

Use deformers for non-destructive editing of geometry.