# Ep.15 — FBX · JSON Workaround (When Connection Fails)

https://youtu.be/aZvqW7w2SeQ?si=M72O-vNljpB9BV2W

## 1. Why this episode exists

SkinLayer Studio is a **Cross DCC** tool. It talks to the DCC over **TCP**.

We fixed connection reports during Early Access, and it is usually stable now. PC setups still differ, so the **same kind of failure can come back**.

The simplest UX is: select in the DCC, then **Pick / Get All** in SLS. TCP will keep getting more robust, but a change in environment or settings can still **drop the link mid-work**.

A **backup path** was planned from the start. This episode is a **temporary workaround for urgent work**. It does not replace the normal Pick · Apply to Skin flow.

UI detail: [F17 Connector](/guide/skin-layer-studio/ui-dcc-connector?lang=en) · [F13 FBX](/guide/skin-layer-studio/ui-fbx?lang=en) · [F12 JSON](/guide/skin-layer-studio/ui-export-json?lang=en)

---

## 2. First — Connector Reboot

SLS **Re** may still fail to connect.

Open the connector per DCC:

| DCC | Where |
|-----|--------|
| **3ds Max** | **OS Tools** → SkinLayer Studio Connector |
| **Maya** | **OS Tools** → Connector |
| **Blender** | Right **add-on** panel (N → **SLS** tab) |

![3ds Max — OS Tools menu](image.png)

Open the window and press **Reboot** once. Opening it **re-enables TCP**. A dead link can come back just from opening the window.

If it still fails, use the FBX · JSON path below.

Install: [EP01](/guide/skin-layer-studio/ep01-install-connect?lang=en). Missing menu: [FAQ.2](/guide/skin-layer-studio/faq02-max-manual-connect?lang=en).

---

## 3. Export FBX from the DCC

Select the mesh and **skin bones** only. If they are mixed with biped/controllers, split **modeling / skin bones**.

Put the **date** in the file name.

3ds Max FBX options from the video:

| Keep | Can skip |
|------|----------|
| Mesh · skin bones | **Skin · Morphs** (skinning only) |
| **Bake Animation** (Test Ani is fine) | **Camera · Lighting** |

Advanced matters.

- **Unity** Axis Conversion: **Auto**
- SLS needs to know whether the FBX came from **3ds Max / Maya / Blender**
- 3ds Max: export **Z-up**. Maya: **Y-up**
- A slightly wrong axis is OK — SLS can fix it. Defaults are fine

![File — Import / Export FBX](image_1.png)

## 4. Import FBX in SLS = Pick

```
File  →  Import FBX…
```

After you import the FBX, you are in the **same state as Pick / Pick All**. Start skinning.

If Test Ani was in the FBX, it shows on the timeline.

Example: **Hide All**, turn on Body, work layers.

Dialog options (axis · units): [F13](/guide/skin-layer-studio/ui-fbx?lang=en).

---

## 5. After work — put it back with JSON

Without a connection, right-click **Apply to Skin** will not run. You still need the weights in the DCC.

![Tools — Export Weights to Folder](image_2.png)

In SLS:

```
Tools  →  Export Weights to Folder...
```

Select **all** meshes whose weights you need and save to a temp folder. One `.json` per mesh.

Then the DCC. The video uses 3ds Max — no weights, so the biped moves and the mesh does not.

1. **OS Tools** → SkinLayer Studio Connector
2. **Import Weights (\*.json)** (spoken as Import Weight)
3. **Add JSON** / **Add weight files (.json)** — `Ctrl+A` for everything you just exported, or only what you need
4. **Mesh names must match the Target exactly**
5. **Skin Apply**

It takes a moment. When it finishes you get a “skinning defined” message, and the SLS weights are in place.

Maya · Blender use the **same idea**; only the connector UI changes. → [F17](/guide/skin-layer-studio/ui-dcc-connector?lang=en)

![Connector — Import Weights · Skin Apply](image_3.png)

## 6. This is a workaround

Use it when you must finish now and only the connection is down.

Meanwhile open **Help** and write **Contact Email**. Depending on country that is **KakaoTalk · WeChat · email**. We will find the cause so Pick · Apply work again. That can take time, so keep working on the path above until then.

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

---

## One-line flow

```
No connection
  → Open Connector, Reboot
  → If still down
       DCC: mesh + skin bones → Export FBX
       SLS: File → Import FBX…  (= Pick)
       Skin
       SLS: Tools → Export Weights to Folder...
       DCC Connector: Import Weights → Add JSON → Skin Apply
  → Report the cause via Help
```

## Related

- [EP01 — Installation and DCC Connection](/guide/skin-layer-studio/ep01-install-connect?lang=en)
- [EP2.1 — Before We Start · Cross DCC](/guide/skin-layer-studio/ep02-1-cross-dcc?lang=en)
- [EP12 — Push to DCC](/guide/skin-layer-studio/ep12-push-to-dcc?lang=en)
- [F13 — Import / Export FBX](/guide/skin-layer-studio/ui-fbx?lang=en)
- [F12 — Export / Import Weights (.json)](/guide/skin-layer-studio/ui-export-json?lang=en)
- [F17 — DCC Connector](/guide/skin-layer-studio/ui-dcc-connector?lang=en)