Maya: Zoo Tools Pro Installer

1. Download/Unzip the install folder. Do not drag-install from the zip.
2. Find “dragdropinstall.py” & drag/drop it into Maya’s main window.
3. A UI will appear. Use the default folder settings.
4. Press Install/Upgrade Zoo Tools Pro. Check the success message.
5. Restart Maya , the ZooToolsPro shelf will appear.

ASSETS & PRESETS – DOWNLOAD 2.6.1

1. Download the Assets/Presets zip.
2. In Maya find your zoo_preferences folder with the Zoo Preferences Window.
3. Unzip the files into zoo_preferences/assets, you can replace existing assets.
4. Refresh or open the Zoo Browsers to see the Assets/Presets.

TROUBLESHOOTING – CHECKLIST

ABOUT – INFORMATION

Welcome to the installer page for Zoo Tools Pro 2. Please scroll down for all video tutorials.

SUPPORTED VERSIONS AND OS

Zoo2 is supported in Maya 2017 – 2020 on the commercial, indie, and educational versions on Windows, OSX, and Linux (Centos).

Maya LT will not be supported due to its python limitations.

ISSUES AND FIXES

Issue 1 – Maya 2020 Docking
We have a docking fatal error related to Maya 2020. Windows docked to the Outliner or Attribute Editor areas will crash Maya. Instead you can dock beside these areas. We are re-writing our backend code to adapt to backend Maya 2020 changes.

Other Issues
For other known problems and fixes see the Known Issues Page for all known issues.

SHOULD I USE ZOO 1 OR ZOO 2

We are upgrading Zoo 2 from Zoo 1 and we are in the process of porting all the tools across.

Many new tools only exist in Zoo 2.

Versions 1 and 2 won’t run together. You must switch between versions by using the instructions in Video 4.2 and Video 4.3 (below).

Most tutorials on the site have been created with Zoo Tools version 1, and if you need to follow those tutorials closely you should still use Version 1 .

Zoo 2 is a comprehensive upgrade, with new UIs backend and functionality.

New features in Zoo 2

– New Look GUI
– Toolsets GUI, Mix/drag/drop/UIs
– Upgraded Thumbnail Browsers
– Screen-grab Icons and Image Planes
– Upgraded Lighting Suite
– Upgraded Shader Tools
– New Shader Manager, Shader Presets
– New Renamer and Utility Tools
– New Manual Rig and Spline Tools
– New UV Tools
– New Modeling Tools
– New Image Plane Browser
– Upgraded Camera Tools
– Upgraded Control Curve Browser
– Upgraded Joint Tools
– New Color Wires and Outliner Names
– NCloth Tool
– Other new miscellaneous tools
– New Marking Menus
– Upgraded Zoo Preferences Window
– Upgraded Hotkey Manager
– Dynamic Shelves
– Complete backend rewrite
– PySide Framework
– Python Package Manager
– Conflicts Removed (Anim Bot)
– Clean Installer

Planned Roadmap for Zoo 2

– New Autorigger (Hive)
– Assets support .MA files
– Shader export supports textures
– Texture Support in the Shader Manager
– Texture Browser and tools
– More Modeling/Camera Tools
– Selection Set Manager and Marking Menu
– Right Click Triggers
– Assorted Animation Tools
– Skin Numerical Weight Editor
– VRay Support
– Animation Library
– Animation Tools
– Assorted Community Script Functionality
… and much more

TOOL HELP

The Zoo 2 Information Page is the main help page for Zoo tools Pro.

You can also find helps from inside Maya on the Zoo Shelf. Zoo Shelf > Help (Purple Question Mark Icon)

Or use the `question mark` icon on each Tool to go directly to it’s tutorial page.

Contents (17 mins)

1.1 – Drag And Drop Installer
2.1 – Manual Install
2.2 – Manual Upgrade
3.1 – Manage Asset Directories
4.1 – Disable Zoo 1
4.2 – Switch To Zoo 1
4.3 – Switch To Zoo 2
5.1 – Zoo Preferences
5.2 – Move Prefs Location
6.1 – Customizing Colors
7.1 – Uninstall

Instructor

Andrew Silke

Software

Maya 2017-2020

Downloads

Main Install Zoo 2.4.2

Assets/Presets 2.6.1

Links

Tool Tutorials
Known Issues
Changelog Page

Last Updated

September 2020

1. Install/Upgrade Zoo Tools Pro 2 (3:55 mins)

This video shows the Easy Install and Upgrade instructions for Zoo Tools Pro 2.

1. Unzip the install folder anywhere on your computer. Do not drag-install from the zip.
2. Find the file “dragdropinstall.py” & drag/drop it into Maya’s main window.
3. A UI will appear. Use the default folder settings.
4. Press Install/Upgrade Zoo Tools Pro. Check the success message.
5. Restart Maya , the ZooToolsPro shelf will appear.

VIDEO 1.1 : DRAG AND DROP INSTALL/UPGRADE (3:55 mins)

No.	Video Points
1.	Unzip (0:00)
2.	Windows Security (0:10)
3.	Install Locations (0:15)
4.	Disable Zoo 1 (0:30)
5.	Shelf Menu (0:35)
6.	Install Hotkeys (0:45)
7.	Switch Hotkeys (1:00)
8.	Toolsets (1:10)
9.	Change Colors (1:20)

Information
This video shows the Easy Install and Upgrade instructions for Zoo Tools Pro 2. See the Manual Install instructions in section 2. Zoo2 is not compatible with Zoo1. Be sure you do not have Zoo Tools Pro 1 enabled. You can find the Zoo1 disable instructions in section 4. To install, just drag and drop the file, “dragdropinstall.py” into Maya’s main window and follow the prompts. Check 1: Don’t drag and drop from inside your unzip software. You must unzip all files into a folder on your computer first, before dragging the file in Maya. Check 2: Cloud Drive check. You can install into a cloud location, for example your Maya prefs location can be on One Drive or Dropbox, so long as it’s on your computer or network, that’s fine. However there are some known issues related to dragging and dropping the installer files from inside a Dropbox or potentially other cloud locations due to security restrictions. To be safe please unzip the installer files into a location that is not inside of Dropbox or other cloud folder for example. 1. Unzip the install folder anywhere on your computer. Do not drag-install from the zip. 2. Find the file “dragdropinstall.py” & drag/drop it into Maya’s main window. 3. A UI will appear. Use the default folder settings. 4. Press Install/Upgrade Zoo Tools Pro. Check the success message. 5. Restart Maya , the ZooToolsPro shelf will appear.

Information

This video shows the Easy Install and Upgrade instructions for Zoo Tools Pro 2. See the Manual Install instructions in section 2.

Zoo2 is not compatible with Zoo1. Be sure you do not have Zoo Tools Pro 1 enabled. You can find the Zoo1 disable instructions in section 4.

To install, just drag and drop the file, “dragdropinstall.py” into Maya’s main window and follow the prompts.

Check 1: Don’t drag and drop from inside your unzip software. You must unzip all files into a folder on your computer first, before dragging the file in Maya.

Check 2: Cloud Drive check. You can install into a cloud location, for example your Maya prefs location can be on One Drive or Dropbox, so long as it’s on your computer or network, that’s fine. However there are some known issues related to dragging and dropping the installer files from inside a Dropbox or potentially other cloud locations due to security restrictions. To be safe please unzip the installer files into a location that is not inside of Dropbox or other cloud folder for example.

Command	Menu/Description	Hotkey
Hotkey Switch C3dC	Toggles between C3dC and Default Hotkey Sets Windows > Settings/Preferences > Hotkey Editor > Dropdown	; (C3dC) None (default)
Zoo Hotkey Manager	Opens the Zoo Tools Pro Hotkey Manager Zoo Tools Pro > Settings > Hotkey Manager	ctl 0 (C3dC) None (default)

2. Manual Install Zoo 2 (3:50 mins)

You can install Zoo 2 manually if you do not have administrator access, or you are a developer with custom requirements.

Please note: These videos are a little outdated, but the basic instructions remain the same, see the Zoo 2 Manual Install.pdf included with the zip file.

Zoo Tools Pro 2 is a python Maya module; it can be installed much like any other Maya module. The following videos describe how to install and update Zoo 2 manually.

VIDEO 2.1 : ZOO 2 MANUAL INSTALL (3:06 mins)

No.	Video Points
1.	Maya Prefs (0:15)
2.	maya/scripts (0:20)
3.	Create zootoolspro (0:25)
4.	Unzip (0:30)
5.	maya/modules (0:40)
6.	Create .mod (0:55)
7.	.mod Txt (0:15)
8.	Zoo Shelf Menu (2:00)
9.	Install Hotkeys (2:10)
10.	Hotkey Toggle (2:20)
11.	Toolsets (2:30)
12.	Change Colors (2:40)

Information
Please note: This is an old video but the basic instructions remain the same, see the Zoo 2 Manual Install.pdf included with the zip file. 1. Copy the zip folder “maya/scripts/zootoolspro” into your maya/scripts/ preferences directory. To find your preferences location scroll down. 2. Copy the contents of the zip folder called “modules” to documents/maya/modules, create the folder “ modules” if it does not exist. 3. Open the copied “zootoolspro.mod” in a text editor; you should see the code below. + zootoolspro 2.0 C:/path to zoo/zootoolspro/install/core/extensions/maya ZOOTOOLS_PRO_ROOT := ../../ scripts: ./Scripts 4. Change ” C:\path to zoo ” to your path to the zootoolspro folder. Hit save. Replace Example Windows C:\Users\\Documents\maya\ Replace Example OSX /Users//Library/Preferences/Autodesk/maya/ OSX Note: To open the Preferences directory: Select Finder > Go, press Alt and the Library folder will appear in the menu. Replace Example Linux /home//maya/* Note: Be sure that the end of the path remains /zootoolspro/install/core/extensions/maya, that’s very important and easily missed. 5. Open Maya, the shelves will load. 6. To install the hotkeys, open the Zoo Hotkey Editor and click yes in the popup window. Find Preferences Folder See this link for finding your Maya preferences folder on your OS Or in Maya’s Script Editor you can also use this code. Copy the following into Maya’s Script Editor (Python Tab), highlight and press the Play Icon. import os import maya.mel as mel print os.path.abspath(os.path.join(mel.eval(“internalVar -upd”) , “../..”)),

Information

Please note: This is an old video but the basic instructions remain the same, see the Zoo 2 Manual Install.pdf included with the zip file.

1. Copy the zip folder “maya/scripts/zootoolspro” into your maya/scripts/
preferences directory. To find your preferences location scroll down.

2. Copy the contents of the zip folder called “modules” to
documents/maya/modules, create the folder “ modules” if it does not exist.

3. Open the copied “zootoolspro.mod” in a text editor; you should see the code
below.

+ zootoolspro 2.0 C:/path to zoo/zootoolspro/install/core/extensions/maya
ZOOTOOLS_PRO_ROOT := ../../
scripts: ./Scripts

4. Change ” C:\path to zoo ” to your path to the zootoolspro folder. Hit save.

Replace Example Windows
C:\Users\\Documents\maya\

Replace Example OSX
/Users//Library/Preferences/Autodesk/maya/
*OSX Note: To open the Preferences directory:
Select Finder > Go, press Alt and the Library folder will appear in the menu.

Replace Example Linux
/home//maya/

Note: Be sure that the end of the path remains /zootoolspro/install/core/extensions/maya, that’s very important and easily missed.

5. Open Maya, the shelves will load.

6. To install the hotkeys, open the Zoo Hotkey Editor and click yes in the popup
window.

Find Preferences Folder

See this link for finding your Maya preferences folder on your OS

Or in Maya’s Script Editor you can also use this code. Copy the following into Maya’s
Script Editor (Python Tab), highlight and press the Play Icon.

import os
import maya.mel as mel
print os.path.abspath(os.path.join(mel.eval(“internalVar -upd”) , “../..”)),

Command	Menu/Description	Hotkey
Hotkey Switch C3dC	Toggles between C3dC and Default Hotkey Sets Windows > Settings/Preferences > Hotkey Editor > Dropdown	; (C3dC) None (default)
Zoo Hotkey Manager	Opens the Zoo Tools Pro Hotkey Manager Zoo Tools Pro > Settings > Hotkey Manager	ctl 0 (C3dC) None (default)

VIDEO 2.2 : ZOO 2 MANUAL UPGRADE (44 sec)

No.	Video Points
1.	Open zip (0:00)
2.	zootoolspro folder (0:20)
3.	Delete contents (0:30)
4.	Drag new files across (0:35)

Information
To manually upgrade Zoo 2 you just need to replace the folder, /yourPath/maya/zootoolspro/ You do not need to add or modify your .mod file 1. Close Maya 2. Open the zip 3. Delete the contents of yourPath/maya/scripts/zootoolspro 4. Copy the files from the zip folder “zootoolspro” into yourPath/maya/scripts/zootoolspro 5. Open Maya, Zoo2 has been updated 6. To update the zoo hotkeys open Zoo Preferences Window > Zoo Hotkey Editor > Update Zoo Hotkeys Then hit save in the Zoo Preferences Window. Upgrading will not remove any custom settings, hotkeys or presets as they are stored in the zoo_preferences (Documents\zoo_preferences\) folder. UPGRADING FROM PRIOR TO 2.2.4 If upgrading from a version prior to 2.2.4, you should reset your theme to factory defaults. Zoo Preferences Window (cog shelf icon) > Theme Colors > (Top Icons) > Revert Current Theme To Factory Default (icon button next to delete) Then hit save in the Zoo Preferences Window. Find Preferences Folder See this link for finding your Maya preferences folder on your OS Or in Maya’s Script Editor you can also use this code. Copy the following into Maya’s Script Editor (Python Tab), highlight and press the Play Icon. import os import maya.mel as mel print os.path.abspath(os.path.join(mel.eval(“internalVar -upd”) , “../..”)),

Information

To manually upgrade Zoo 2 you just need to replace the folder,

/yourPath/maya/zootoolspro/

You do not need to add or modify your .mod file

1. Close Maya
2. Open the zip
3. Delete the contents of yourPath/maya/scripts/zootoolspro
4. Copy the files from the zip folder “zootoolspro” into
yourPath/maya/scripts/zootoolspro
5. Open Maya, Zoo2 has been updated
6. To update the zoo hotkeys open
Zoo Preferences Window > Zoo Hotkey Editor > Update Zoo Hotkeys
Then hit save in the Zoo Preferences Window.

Upgrading will not remove any custom settings, hotkeys or presets as they are stored in the zoo_preferences (Documents\zoo_preferences\) folder.

UPGRADING FROM PRIOR TO 2.2.4
If upgrading from a version prior to 2.2.4, you should reset your theme to factory defaults.

Zoo Preferences Window (cog shelf icon) > Theme Colors > (Top Icons) > Revert Current Theme To Factory Default (icon button next to delete)

Then hit save in the Zoo Preferences Window.

Find Preferences Folder

See this link for finding your Maya preferences folder on your OS

Or in Maya’s Script Editor you can also use this code. Copy the following into Maya’s
Script Editor (Python Tab), highlight and press the Play Icon.

import os
import maya.mel as mel
print os.path.abspath(os.path.join(mel.eval(“internalVar -upd”) , “../..”)),

3. Manage Asset Locations (1:23 mins)

All presets and assets are contained in a large zip file that you need to install separately. See the large blue button “Assets Presets” at the top of this page.

In this section you can see how to manage and set the location of the asset and preset directories.

VIDEO 3.1 : MANAGE THE ASSET DIRECTORIES (1:23 mins)

No.	Video Points
1.	Zoo Preferences (0:00)
2.	Light Suite (0:10)
3.	Settings Renderer (0:20)
4.	Set Renderer Toolset (0:35)
5.	Change Asset Locations (0:45)
6.	Check New Locations (1:10)

Information
The Preset and Asset locations can be moved to other locations. This video shows you how to find and move the location of your assets. To find your assets location. ZooToolsPro (shelf) > Zoo Preferences Window (Cog Icon) > General > Zoo Preferences Folder Click on the Globe Icon to open the folder. Zoo 2 Assets OS Locations Typical default location for Zoo 2 assets for your OS: Windows: C:\Users\yourUsername\Documents\zoo_preferences\assets\ Linux: /home/yourUserName/zoo_preferences/assets/ OSX: /Users/yourUsername/Documents/zoo_preferences/assets/ You can also set the location for each set of folders. Preferences (Cog Icon) > Light Suite > Light Presets Folder > Explore (World Icon) Preferences (Cog Icon) > Light Suite > IBL Skydomes Folder > Explore (World Icon) Preferences (Cog Icon) > Model Assets > Model Assets Folder > Explore (World Icon) Preferences (Cog Icon) > Controls Joints > Control Shapes Folder > Explore (World Icon) Preferences (Cog Icon) > Camera Tools > Image Plane Folder > Explore (World Icon)

Information

The Preset and Asset locations can be moved to other locations. This video shows you how to find and move the location of your assets.

To find your assets location.

ZooToolsPro (shelf) > Zoo Preferences Window (Cog Icon) > General > Zoo Preferences Folder
Click on the Globe Icon to open the folder.

Zoo 2 Assets OS Locations
Typical default location for Zoo 2 assets for your OS:

Windows: C:\Users\yourUsername\Documents\zoo_preferences\assets\
Linux: /home/yourUserName/zoo_preferences/assets/
OSX: /Users/yourUsername/Documents/zoo_preferences/assets/

You can also set the location for each set of folders.

Preferences (Cog Icon) > Light Suite > Light Presets Folder > Explore (World Icon)
Preferences (Cog Icon) > Light Suite > IBL Skydomes Folder > Explore (World Icon)
Preferences (Cog Icon) > Model Assets > Model Assets Folder > Explore (World Icon)
Preferences (Cog Icon) > Controls Joints > Control Shapes Folder > Explore (World Icon)
Preferences (Cog Icon) > Camera Tools > Image Plane Folder > Explore (World Icon)

4. Switch between Zoo 1 and Zoo 2 (2:46 mins)

This section shows how to switch between Zoo Tools Pro 1 and Zoo Tools Pro 2.

Zoo Tools 1 and Zoo Tools 2 are not compatible. So Maya should be closed and restarted while switching between versions. See the instructions below.

VIDEO 4.1 : DISABLING ZOO TOOLS 1 (23 sec)

No.	Video Points
1.	Find create3dcharacters (0:00)
2.	create3dcharacters_bak (0:15)
3.	Restart Maya (0:25)

Information
To disable Zoo 1 rename the create3dcharacters folder, you can find it in the maya\version prefs folder. Please use the appropriate version of Maya, here we are changing 2019. maya\2019\scripts\create3dcharacters Rename create3dcharacters to create3dcharacters_bak Example. C:\Users\yourUserName\Documents\maya\2019\scripts\create3dcharacters to create3dcharacters_bak And restart Maya. Finding Maya Prefs on your OS Windows: C:\Users\yourUsername\Documents\maya\ Linux: /home/yourUserName/maya/ OSX: /Users/yourUsername/Library/Preferences/Autodesk/maya OSX Note: To open the hidden Library directory*: Select Finder > Go, press Alt and the Library folder appears in the menu. See this link for more info locating Maya Prefs

Information

To disable Zoo 1 rename the create3dcharacters folder, you can find it in the maya\version prefs folder. Please use the appropriate version of Maya, here we are changing 2019.

maya\2019\scripts\create3dcharacters

Rename create3dcharacters to create3dcharacters_bak

Example.

C:\Users\yourUserName\Documents\maya\2019\scripts\create3dcharacters to create3dcharacters_bak

And restart Maya.

Finding Maya Prefs on your OS

Windows: C:\Users\yourUsername\Documents\maya\
Linux: /home/yourUserName/maya/
OSX: /Users/yourUsername/Library/Preferences/Autodesk/maya

*OSX Note: To open the hidden Library directory:
Select Finder > Go, press Alt and the Library folder appears in the menu.

See this link for more info locating Maya Prefs

VIDEO 4.2 : SWITCHING BACK TO ZOO TOOLS PRO 1 (1:16 mins)

No.	Video Points
1.	Close Maya (0:00)
2.	Rename create3dcharacters (0:10)
3.	zootoolspro_bak (0:30)
4.	Open Maya (0:40)
5.	Delete Shelf (0:45)
6.	Reset Hotkeys (0:55)

Information
This video shows how to switch from Zoo 2 back to Zoo 1. Instructions To switch back from Zoo 2 to Zoo 1 rename the following folders. Please use the appropriate version of Maya, here we are changing 2019. Rename… C:\Users\yourUserName\Documents\maya\2019\scripts\create3dcharacters_bak to create3dcharacters C:\Users\yourUserName\Documents\maya\scripts\zootoolspro to zootoolspro_bak Restart Maya. Finding Maya Prefs on your OS Windows: C:\Users\yourUsername\Documents\maya\ Linux: /home/yourUserName/maya/ OSX: /Users/yourUsername/Library/Preferences/Autodesk/maya OSX Note: To open the hidden Library directory*: Select Finder > Go, press Alt and the Library folder appears in the menu. See this link for more info locating Maya Prefs

Information

This video shows how to switch from Zoo 2 back to Zoo 1.

Instructions
To switch back from Zoo 2 to Zoo 1 rename the following folders. Please use the appropriate version of Maya, here we are changing 2019.

Rename…

C:\Users\yourUserName\Documents\maya\2019\scripts\create3dcharacters_bak to create3dcharacters
C:\Users\yourUserName\Documents\maya\scripts\zootoolspro to zootoolspro_bak

Restart Maya.

Finding Maya Prefs on your OS

Windows: C:\Users\yourUsername\Documents\maya\
Linux: /home/yourUserName/maya/
OSX: /Users/yourUsername/Library/Preferences/Autodesk/maya

*OSX Note: To open the hidden Library directory:
Select Finder > Go, press Alt and the Library folder appears in the menu.

See this link for more info locating Maya Prefs

VIDEO 4.3 : SWITCHING FROM ZOO 1 TO ZOO 2 (1:07 mins)

No.	Video Points
1.	Close Maya (0:00)
2.	Rename create3dcharacters (0:15)
3.	Rename zootoolspro (0:30)
4.	Open Maya (0:40)
5.	Reinstall Hotkeys (0:55)

Information
This video shows how to switch from Zoo 1 to Zoo 2. Zoo Tools 1 and Zoo Tools 2 are not compatible. So Maya should be closed and restarted while switching between the two versions. Instructions To switch from Zoo 1 to Zoo 2 rename the following folders. Please use the appropriate version of Maya, here we are changing 2019. Rename… C:\Users\yourUserName\Documents\maya\2019\scripts\create3dcharacters to create3dcharacters_bak C:\Users\yourUserName\Documents\maya\scripts\zootoolspro_bak to zootoolspro Restart Maya. Finding Maya Prefs on your OS Windows: C:\Users\yourUsername\Documents\maya\ Linux: /home/yourUserName/maya/ OSX: /Users/yourUsername/Library/Preferences/Autodesk/maya OSX Note: To open the hidden Library directory*: Select Finder > Go, press Alt and the Library folder appears in the menu. See this link for more info locating Maya Prefs

Information

This video shows how to switch from Zoo 1 to Zoo 2.

Zoo Tools 1 and Zoo Tools 2 are not compatible. So Maya should be closed and restarted while switching between the two versions.

Instructions
To switch from Zoo 1 to Zoo 2 rename the following folders. Please use the appropriate version of Maya, here we are changing 2019.

Rename…

C:\Users\yourUserName\Documents\maya\2019\scripts\create3dcharacters to create3dcharacters_bak
C:\Users\yourUserName\Documents\maya\scripts\zootoolspro_bak to zootoolspro

Restart Maya.

Finding Maya Prefs on your OS

Windows: C:\Users\yourUsername\Documents\maya\
Linux: /home/yourUserName/maya/
OSX: /Users/yourUsername/Library/Preferences/Autodesk/maya

*OSX Note: To open the hidden Library directory:
Select Finder > Go, press Alt and the Library folder appears in the menu.

See this link for more info locating Maya Prefs

5. Zoo Preferences (2:14 mins)

The Zoo Preferences is a directory location stored in your Documents folder by default. In this folder, there are two directories, prefs and assets.

The assets sub folder contains skydomes, light presets, model assets and control curves.

The prefs sub folder contains your user settings such as color themes, hotkeys, and folder locations.

VIDEO 5.1 : ZOO PREFERENCES (1:09 mins)

No.	Video Points
1.	Zoo Preferences (0:00)
2.	Disk location (0:05)
3.	Explore (0:10)
4.	assets and prefs (0:20)
5.	assets (0:25)
6.	prefs (0:35)

Information
The zoo_preferences is a directory in your Documents folder that stores assets and preferences information. Zoo will try to place the files in your Documents folder if you have one, but you can find the folder on your system using the Zoo Preferences window… ZooToolsPro (shelf) > Zoo Preferences Window (Cog Icon) > General > Zoo Preferences Folder Click on the Globe Icon to open the folder. In this directory there are two folders, assets and prefs. *assets* : Stores skydomes, light presets, model assets, control curves etc *prefs* : Stores user preferences information such as color themes, hotkeys and folder defaults. The next video will show you how to move the default zoo_preferences folder location.

Information

The zoo_preferences is a directory in your Documents folder that stores assets and preferences information.

Zoo will try to place the files in your Documents folder if you have one, but you can find the folder on your system using the Zoo Preferences window…

ZooToolsPro (shelf) > Zoo Preferences Window (Cog Icon) > General > Zoo Preferences Folder
Click on the Globe Icon to open the folder.

In this directory there are two folders, assets and prefs.

assets : Stores skydomes, light presets, model assets, control curves etc
prefs : Stores user preferences information such as color themes, hotkeys and folder defaults.

The next video will show you how to move the default zoo_preferences folder location.

VIDEO 5.2 : MOVE ZOO PREFERENCES LOCATION (1:05 mins)

No.	Video Points
1.	Zoo Preferences (0:00)
2.	Change to D:\ (0:10)
3.	Cut and Paste (0:20)
4.	Restart Maya (0:35)
5.	Preferences Moved (0:50)

Information
The zoo_preferences directory lives in your Documents folder by default. But it can be moved to any location. Moving the zoo_preferences will cut and paste all files inside the zoo_preferences to the new location, it can take some time if you have many assets installed because of the large filesize. Finding Maya Prefs on your OS Windows: C:\Users\yourUsername\Documents\maya\ Linux: /home/yourUserName/maya/ OSX: /Users/yourUsername/Library/Preferences/Autodesk/maya OSX Note: To open the hidden Library directory*: Select Finder > Go, press Alt and the Library folder appears in the menu. See this link for more info locating Maya Prefs

Information

The zoo_preferences directory lives in your Documents folder by default. But it can be moved to any location.

Moving the zoo_preferences will cut and paste all files inside the zoo_preferences to the new location, it can take some time if you have many assets installed because of the large filesize.

Finding Maya Prefs on your OS

Windows: C:\Users\yourUsername\Documents\maya\
Linux: /home/yourUserName/maya/
OSX: /Users/yourUsername/Library/Preferences/Autodesk/maya

*OSX Note: To open the hidden Library directory:
Select Finder > Go, press Alt and the Library folder appears in the menu.

See this link for more info locating Maya Prefs

6. Customizing Theme Colors (2:10 mins)

This section will show you how to customize the Zoo 2 themes.

Zoo 2 comes with many theme presets, each theme has various colors. You can also completely customize and create your own themes too.

VIDEO 6.1 : CUSTOMIZING COLORS (2:10 mins)

No.	Video Points
1.	Zoo Preferences (0:00)
2.	Theme Colors (0:05)
3.	Change Theme (0:15)
4.	Create New Theme (0:30)
5.	Change Colors (0:40)
6.	Top Section (1:10)
7.	Rename (1:40)
8.	Delete (1:45)

Information
This video will show you how to change Theme Colors. Themes control the colors and look of the UIs in Zoo 2. We have many presets that you can choose from, or you can create and modify your own custom looks. NOTE: In Maya 2020 the themes do not update as you change them. 1. Press “Save” in the Zoo Preferences 2. Reload Zoo Tools a window to see the changes. This video will show you how to change Theme Colors We are working to fix this issue. It has been giving us a little bit of trouble.

Information

This video will show you how to change Theme Colors. Themes control the colors and look of the UIs in Zoo 2.

We have many presets that you can choose from, or you can create and modify your own custom looks.

NOTE: In Maya 2020 the themes do not update as you change them.

1. Press “Save” in the Zoo Preferences
2. Reload Zoo Tools a window to see the changes. This video will show you how to change Theme Colors

We are working to fix this issue. It has been giving us a little bit of trouble.

7. Uninstall Zoo Tools Pro 2 (1:02 mins)

This section shows how to fully uninstall the Zoo 2 plugin.

VIDEO 7.1 : UNINSTALL ZOO 2 (1:02 mins)

No.	Video Points
1.	Shutdown Zoo 2 (0:00)
2.	maya/scripts (0:15)
3.	Delete zootoolspro (0:20)
4.	maya/modules (0:25)
5.	Delete zootoolspro.mod (0:40)
6.	Documents/zoo_preferences (0:45)
7.	Delete zoo_preferences (0:50)

Information
To uninstall Zoo Tools 2. 1. Zoo Shelf > Developer Tools > Shutdown (Removes Shelf) 2. Delete maya/scripts/zootoolspro folder 3. Delete maya/modules/zootoolspro.mod Zoo Tools Pro 2 has been uninstalled. You can also delete your zoo_preferences folder, this will contain you custom settings and assets. 4. Delete Documents/zoo_preferences folder

Information

To uninstall Zoo Tools 2.

1. Zoo Shelf > Developer Tools > Shutdown (Removes Shelf)
2. Delete maya/scripts/zootoolspro folder
3. Delete maya/modules/zootoolspro.mod

Zoo Tools Pro 2 has been uninstalled.

You can also delete your zoo_preferences folder, this will contain you custom settings and assets.

4. Delete Documents/zoo_preferences folder

[/wcm_restrict]