Working with glTF¶
This plugin owns splat data inside Maya. The separate glTF Importer and Exporter for Maya can carry Gaussian splat content through glTF/GLB when both plugins are loaded - a key advantage when you need web/real-time delivery beyond a single renderer import.
Need the glTF plugin?
Get it from polypulse3d.com. Docs: polypulse3d.com/docs/gltf-importer-exporter/.
Who does what¶
| Task | Plugin |
|---|---|
| Load / save PLY, SOG, SPLAT, KSPLAT, NPZ, SPZ | This plugin |
| Viewport look and Attribute Editor | This plugin |
| Arnold / V-Ray splat rendering | This plugin |
| Read / write glTF or GLB | glTF plugin |
| Map Gaussian splat primitives in glTF | glTF plugin, using this plugin when available |
Ordinary mesh glTF work does not need the Gaussian Splats plugin.
Typical workflow¶
- Load GaussianSplatPlugin and the glTF plugin.
- In the glTF importer, leave Import Gaussian Splats enabled.
- Import a glTF/GLB that contains Gaussian splat content.
- Place and lookdev the object in Maya.
- Export glTF/GLB with Gaussian Splats enabled in the glTF exporter options.
If this plugin is missing, the glTF importer skips splat primitives (with a warning) and continues with the rest of the asset.
Orientation differences¶
| Source | What to expect |
|---|---|
| File import (PLY, SOG, …) | Coordinates as in the file (no automatic scale or flip); use Up Axis or Maya transforms if needed |
| glTF import | Uses the transform already defined in the glTF |
Scene persistence¶
After a glTF import, leave Embed In Scene on if you want a self-contained Maya scene. Turn it off only if you prefer a small scene and will keep a sidecar or re-import later.
Checklist¶
- [ ] GaussianSplatPlugin is loaded
- [ ] glTF plugin is loaded
- [ ] Import Gaussian Splats is enabled on glTF import
- [ ] Gaussian Splats is enabled on glTF export
- [ ] Either Embed In Scene is on, or a source / sidecar remains available