# Getting Started

## **DOWNLOADING AND INSTALLION**

* The HEAT plug-in is available for free on the Autodesk App Store.  It can be downloaded [here](https://apps.autodesk.com/MAYA/en/Detail/Index?id=389797659514287081\&appLang=en\&os=Win64).

{% hint style="success" %}
The Maya Plug-in can also be easily downloaded and installed from the HEAT Bridge Plug-in Manager although the Bridge is not needed for the plug-in.  Instructions for this method can be found [here](https://docs.heat.tech/plug-in-manager#maya).
{% endhint %}

* Once you have the HEAT plug-in installed open Maya.
* Navigate to **'Window -> Settings/Preferences -> Plug-in Manager'**.
* In the '**Plug-in Manager'** window either locate or search for '**heat\_plugin.py**'.  Check the box for '**Loaded**'.

<figure><img src="https://3615087246-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FayEAytwtGUY9ZVsFfLoQ%2Fuploads%2FRKjEk1yW4wvQFFW8ndWC%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=08873474-52f9-4b32-b409-a3a85acba2d0" alt="" width="470"><figcaption><p>HEAT Maya plug-in loaded within the Maya plug-in manager</p></figcaption></figure>

* HEAT is now installed in your Maya scene and you are ready to start importing animations!

{% hint style="info" %}
If you would like to have HEAT load automatically every time you open Maya simply click the '**Auto load**' check box in the plug-in manager window.
{% endhint %}

Next we will go over how to get animations into your Maya scenes.


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