Load or unload Maya plug-ins

User Guide > General > Basics > Preferences and customization > Customize how Maya works >

A plug-in is an add-on module that extends Maya’s capabilities. File translators are plug-ins you use to import and export various file formats. You can create or purchase specialty plug-ins to customize Maya for a specific job.

Some features that can be added through plug-ins are:

File translators for new file formats.
New tools, menu items, and MEL commands.
New object types (nodes).
Drivers for new devices.

To load or unload plug-ins

Select Window > Settings/Preferences > Plug-in Manager.
Do any of the following:
- Check the “loaded” box next to a plug-in to load the plug-in.
- Check the “auto load” box next to a plug-in to always load the plug-in when Maya starts up.
- Click the “i” icon next to a plug-in to show additional information about the plug-in, for example the version number and any MEL commands it adds to Maya.
  NoteYou cannot load a plug-in for any version of Maya that predates the Maya version the plug-in was compiled for. For example, you cannot use a plug-in compiled with the Maya 6 API in Maya 5.
  Check the “For API Version” number in the plug-in’s information window.

Force Maya to unload a plug-in being used in the current scene

If you try to unload a plug-in that is providing functionality in the current scene (for example, the scene contains a node type that is provided by the plug-in), Maya warns you and gives you the opportunity to force the removal of the plug-in.

If you select to force Maya to unload the plug-in, Maya converts any nodes in the scene provided by the plug-in to the “Unknown” node type. Even if you reload the plug-in, the nodes remain Unknown.