FFmpeg is no longer bundled with Tinyblast directly in the source. In order to download the plugin with FFmpeg please go to the release page on this repo and download tinyblast_v1.0.0.zip or download it [here](https://drive.proton.me/urls/JVV34W2H3R#VOJzkesz0Cgq). If you only download the source, the plugin **will not work**.
Tinyblast is a lightweight plugin designed to enhance Maya’s playblast workflow by converting uncompressed `.avi` files to compressed `.mp4` files using the efficient H.264 codec. It adds a custom button to Maya's Playblast Options window, enabling users to save playblasts in the more storage-friendly `.mp4` format, significantly reducing file sizes without sacrificing quality.
## Features
- **Playblast to MP4 Conversion**: Automatically converts uncompressed `.avi` playblast files generated by Maya to `.mp4` format using the H.264 (libx264) codec.
- **Seamless Integration**: Adds a custom button to Maya's Playblast Options window for quick access to conversion options.
- **Improved File Size Efficiency**: Compresses uncompressed `.avi` files, which Maya creates by default, into `.mp4` files with minimal quality loss, freeing up disk space and improving workflow efficiency.
## Known Limitations
- **Windows Only**: This release is optimized for Maya’s `.avi` file output on Windows. Future versions may extend support to other platforms and formats.
- **Uncompressed AVI Temporary File**: Tinyblast relies on Maya’s built-in playblast function, which still generates an uncompressed `.avi` file before converting it to `.mp4`. This `.avi` file is temporary and will be deleted by Maya after a few minutes.
## Installation
1. Download and install Tinyblast.
2.**Load the Plugin in Maya**:
- Navigate to `Windows > Settings/Preferences > Plug-in Manager`.
- If `Tinyblast.py` is not listed, click **Browse** and locate the `Tinyblast.py` file.
- Check the **Loaded** box to enable the plugin.
- (Optional) Check **Auto-load** to automatically load the plugin every time Maya starts.
3. Access the Playblast Options window in Maya. A new "Tinyblast" button will now be available to convert playblasts to `.mp4`.
## License
This project is licensed under the GPLv3 license.
It also includes FFmpeg, which is licensed under GPLv3. You can download the FFmpeg source code from [https://ffmpeg.org/download.html](https://ffmpeg.org/download.html).
## FFmpeg Usage and Legal Compliance
Tinyblast uses the FFmpeg library to handle the conversion of `.avi` files to `.mp4`. FFmpeg is licensed under the GPLv3 license, and its source code is available for download at [FFmpeg Source](https://ffmpeg.org/download.html).
