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mGear Framework
What mGear Framework is
mGear Framework is a free, open-source rigging and animation framework for Autodesk Maya, built for character creation in games and animation. Its Maya toolset includes Shifter, a modular rigging system, plus Anim Picker, RBF Manager and Python libraries for building or extending tools. mGear supports scripting, and exports FBX. The maker lists compatibility with Maya 2022 through 2027 for release 5.3.5, available through the project’s GitHub releases page.
For Unreal Engine workflows, the companion ueGear connects Maya and Unreal with automated rigging, asset synchronization, animation transfer, Control Rig generation and camera data exchange. The maker also says mGear can be integrated into Unity pipelines. Both mGear and ueGear use the MIT license, and rigs created with mGear may be sold and distributed.
The framework is aimed at animation and game studios working across film, games, real-time and animation production. Community forum support, bug reports and feedback are free. mcsGear offers premium support and consulting; its paid services include pipeline bootstrapping, on-demand rigging, production consulting, custom rig development and tailored training. Services can include production-ready rigs and tools, source code, documentation and guidance for maintaining workflows.
Who it suits
mGear suits animation and game studios building character rigs for film, games, real-time or animation workflows. It is also relevant to teams that want Maya tools, Python scripting and a bridge into Unreal Engine, with Unity pipeline integration also described by the maker.
What it does well
- Free and open-source under the MIT license.
- Modular Shifter system supports rigging workflows in Maya.
- Python libraries allow teams to develop and extend tools.
- ueGear supports asset and animation transfer to Unreal Engine.
- Users may sell and distribute rigs made with mGear.
- Supports Maya 2022 through 2027 in release 5.3.5.
What to know first
- The listed Maya compatibility applies to release 5.3.5.
- Unreal integration is provided through the separate ueGear bridge.
- Tailored premium support and consulting are paid services.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| mGear Framework | Free and open-source · MIT license | Free |
As mgear-framework.com lists them, read 30 Sept 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Visit the mGear website.
- Open the mGear GitHub releases page.
- Download the latest listed release, mGear 5.3.5.
- Use it with Autodesk Maya 2022 through 2027.
- For Unreal workflows, use the ueGear bridge.
Verdict
Choose mGear if your studio needs a free Maya rigging framework with modular tools, scripting support and an MIT license. Teams needing direct Unreal workflow automation can use ueGear, while studios seeking priority support, consulting or custom development can look to mcsGear’s paid services.
Questions
How much does mGear Framework cost?
The mGear Framework is free and open-source under the MIT license.
Is there a free trial?
No free trial is listed; the framework itself is free.
Which platforms and host apps are supported?
The listed platforms are Linux, macOS and Windows. Supported host apps are Autodesk Maya and Unreal Engine.
Can I sell rigs created with mGear?
Yes. The maker says users may sell and distribute rigs made with mGear.
Does mGear work with Unity?
The maker says mGear can be integrated into Unity pipelines. ueGear is identified as its bridge to Unreal Engine.
What support is available?
Free support, bug reports and feedback are available through the community forum. mcsGear offers tailored premium support and consulting, with fixed monthly pricing and a six-month minimum for mGear Support.
Facts from mGear Framework's own pages
- Compatibility
- The mGear 5.3.5 release lists compatibility with Maya 2022 through 2027. · github.com, 30 Sept 2026
- Download
- The maker links to the mGear GitHub releases page for downloads; the latest listed release is mGear 5.3.5. · github.com, 30 Sept 2026
- Intended users
- The maker describes mGear and ueGear as tools for animation and game studios, supporting film, game, real-time, and animation workflows. · mgear-framework.com, 30 Sept 2026
- License
- mGear and ueGear are free and open-source under the MIT license, and users may sell and distribute rigs made with mGear. · mgear-framework.com, 30 Sept 2026
- Maya tools
- The Maya toolset includes the modular Shifter rigging system, Anim Picker, RBF Manager, and Python libraries for developing and extending tools. · mgear-framework.com, 30 Sept 2026
- Paid services
- mcsGear offers pipeline bootstrapping, on-demand rigging, production consulting, custom rig development, and tailored training; the service page does not state prices. · mgear-framework.com, 30 Sept 2026
- Premium support terms
- mGear Support includes priority help, bug fixes, direct communication, a private Slack or similar channel, weekly meetings, and roadmap input, with fixed monthly pricing and a six-month minimum. · mgear-framework.com, 30 Sept 2026
- Purpose
- mGear is an open-source rigging and animation framework for Autodesk Maya, designed to streamline character creation for games and animation. · mgear-framework.com, 30 Sept 2026
- Service deliverables
- mcsGear says its services provide production-ready rigs and tools along with source code, documentation, and knowledge intended to let teams maintain and evolve their workflows independently. · mgear-framework.com, 30 Sept 2026
- Support
- Free support, bug reports, and feedback are available through the community forum; tailored premium support and consulting are offered by mcsGear. · mgear-framework.com, 30 Sept 2026
- Unity integration
- The maker says mGear can be integrated into Unreal Engine and Unity pipelines, and identifies ueGear as its bridge to Unreal Engine. · mgear-framework.com, 30 Sept 2026
- Unreal integration
- ueGear connects Maya and Unreal Engine with automated rigging, asset synchronization, animation transfer, Control Rig generation, and camera data exchange. · mgear-framework.com, 30 Sept 2026
Where mGear Framework stands on Freedom251
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