# EP01 — Installation and DCC Connection

https://youtu.be/EY-sP2AES8I?si=xbTxHk7rFULrNxnC

## 1. Download

### 1-1. Homepage
1. OtakuSolutions website → **Cross DCC** section → **SkinLayer Studio**.
2. Click **Trial** or **Purchase** → fill out the application form.
3. After your license is issued, go to **Account → My Products**.
4. Find **SkinLayer Studio** and click **Download**.

### 1-2. Supported Environments

| Item | Details |
|------|---------|
| OS | **Windows 64-bit** (officially supported) |
| Mac / Linux | Under consideration — check homepage requirements before installing |

Download the **Windows 64-bit** installer from the download dialog.  
Example filename: `SkinLayerStudio_Setup.exe`

---

## 2. Installation (Inno Setup)

1. Run the downloaded **Setup.exe**.
2. Select your **installation language** (KO / EN / JA / ZH, etc.).
3. Review and accept the **license agreement**.
4. Specify the **installation path** (default is fine).
5. If a previous installation exists, confirm **reinstall** → Yes.
6. Choose whether to create **Start Menu** and **desktop shortcuts**.
7. Click **Install** → then **Finish** when complete.

Example installation root:

```
{install path}/
├── SkinLayerStudio.exe
└── os_skinLayer_studio_connector/
```

---

## 3. First Launch — License Activation

When you first run the app, it will be in an **unlicensed** state.

- The viewport will be covered by a **License Lock** overlay.
- Click **Open License Manager** to proceed.

**Activation Steps**

1. Click **Open License Manager**.
2. Enter your **license key**.
3. Click **Update License** / Register.
4. Confirm **machine registration** succeeded.
5. Once activated, the **3D viewport** becomes available.

> Standalone: If activation fails, **the app stays open** — retry from the overlay.

---

## 4. Installing the DCC Connector

1. Menu: **Tools → Install Connector...** (to check status only: **Options → Connectors** tab).
2. Select your DCC (e.g., **3ds Max 2025**) → **Install**.
3. **Fully close your DCC, then restart it**.

The connector is a **communication script** that runs inside your DCC. SLS does not directly launch the DCC — it only sends commands to a running DCC, so **your DCC must be open** for Pick/Push to work.

---

## 5. DCC Connection · Pick · Apply to Skin

1. Launch your DCC — confirm the connector loaded.
2. In SLS, select your DCC from the **DCC combo**.
3. Confirm the **green indicator (connected)**.
4. **Pick** — imports the skin mesh selected in your DCC.

**After Pick:**
- The mesh, bones, and weights appear in the viewport.
- A slot is registered in the **Skin Desk** / **Skin Archive**.
- Save with **File → Save** to create a `.sls` project.

Edit weights with layers and brushes, then use **`> Apply to Skin`** in the toolbar to Push back to the DCC.

**On the first Push:** Game engines (Unity, Unreal, etc.) typically limit influences per vertex to **4–8**. SLS automatically **clamps to 8** when Pushing. Clean up unnecessary bones in the Influence panel (**Used** filter) beforehand for better quality.

**Auto mode:** The **Auto** checkbox in the toolbar is **OFF** by default. After your first successful manual Push, a dialog may ask if you want to enable it. When ON, SLS auto-Pushes after **10 seconds** of idle time (adjustable to 3–30s in Options).

---

## 6. Troubleshooting

| Symptom | Check |
|---------|-------|
| License overlay persists | Retry key entry and online verification in License Manager |
| DCC won't connect | Reinstall connector · restart DCC |
| No mesh after Pick | Select a **skinned mesh** in your DCC before clicking Pick |