# Ep.2.1 — Cross DCC (Works in Blender·Maya·3ds Max)

https://youtu.be/UH_7XDhBfPY?si=KAvLEnqwBKOBadVx

## 1. Why this note

A short note **before** the main series, to avoid a common misunderstanding.

Later videos demo **3ds Max ↔ SkinLayer Studio**. Your DCC can still be **Maya** or **Blender**.

SkinLayer Studio is a **Cross DCC** tool. Maya · Blender use the **same flow**.

Workflow concept: [EP02](/guide/skin-layer-studio/ep02-workflow?lang=en).

---

## 2. Connector · Pick — same on every DCC

The Connector lists **3ds Max · Maya · Blender**. There is little difference between them.

The steps are the same:

1. Select in the DCC
2. **Pick** / **Pick All** in SLS

Hotkeys in Options → Settings also cover **Maya · 3ds Max · Blender**. Unreal · Unity might be added later; the **core stays the same**.

![Options — Language](image.png)

## 3. Language

The video uses a Korean UI. Switch **English · 한국어 · 日本語 · 中文** under **Options → Language**.

Detail: [F15 — Options · Settings](/guide/skin-layer-studio/ui-options?lang=en)

![Options — Hotkey presets (Max / Maya / Blender)](image_1.png)

## 4. Install Connector

Pick the DCC and press **Install**. **Versions** show in the list.

After install:

| DCC | Where it appears |
|-----|------------------|
| **3ds Max** | **OS Tools** → SkinLayer Studio Connector |
| **Maya** | **OS Tools** → the same Connector window |
| **Blender** | **SLS** panel — almost the same menus |

That window is a **support tool** to keep the link smooth. Each DCC gets the tools it needs there.

Install steps: [EP01](/guide/skin-layer-studio/ep01-install-connect?lang=en). Window: [F17](/guide/skin-layer-studio/ui-dcc-connector?lang=en)

![3ds Max — OS Tools · Connector](image_2.png)

![Blender — SLS add-on panel](image_3.png)

## 5. Blender axis — Bone Front Axis

Maya · 3ds Max usually point **X forward**. Blender points **Y forward**.

The video dropped a Mabel FBX into Blender quickly. Blender testing is still underway.

Select Blender and **Pick All** — it should look correct. Options has **Bone Front Axis**; for Blender that is **Y**. With that set, Blender works.

Axis options: [F15](/guide/skin-layer-studio/ui-options?lang=en)

---

## 6. When TCP does not connect

The link is **TCP**. It works for most people. Sometimes it does not.

1. Open the **SkinLayer Studio Connector** in the DCC — TCP starts when the window opens.
2. Press **Re** in SLS — it should detect again.

If it still fails, open **Help**. Email · KakaoTalk · WeChat — we can remote in and get you connected.

File workaround (FBX · JSON): [EP15](/guide/skin-layer-studio/ep15-fbx-json-workaround?lang=en)

Contact: [contact@otakusolutions.com](mailto:contact@otakusolutions.com)

---

## Recap

Later videos are **3ds Max demos**, but the **fundamentals are the same.** Maya · Blender users can follow along.

```
Cross DCC (Max · Maya · Blender)
  → Pick a DCC in Connector · Pick
  → Language / hotkey presets
  → Install Connector (OS Tools · SLS panel)
  → Blender: Bone Front Axis = Y
  → No link: open Connector, Re · Help
```

## Related

- [EP01 — Installation and DCC Connection](/guide/skin-layer-studio/ep01-install-connect?lang=en)
- [EP02 — Workflow](/guide/skin-layer-studio/ep02-workflow?lang=en)
- [EP15 — FBX · JSON Workaround](/guide/skin-layer-studio/ep15-fbx-json-workaround?lang=en)
- [F15 — Options · Settings](/guide/skin-layer-studio/ui-options?lang=en)
- [F17 — DCC Connector](/guide/skin-layer-studio/ui-dcc-connector?lang=en)