Preliminary: Workstation Check

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Please ensure your workstation meets the following software and hardware requirements before attempting to launch Ziva VFX. Ziva VFX requirements are as follows:

Operating System
‍Microsoft® Windows® 10, version 1809 or higher.
Microsoft® Windows® 11
Linux CentOS 7.6-7.9 operating system
Maya  2019, 2020, 2022, 2023

Hardware
CPU: 64-bit Intel® or AMD®
‍RAM: 8 GB of RAM (16 GB or more recommended)
‍Disk Space: 7 GB of free disk space for install

Basics: Getting Started & Setup

❏    Join the Ziva Community – Our team is available 24/7 for online support and feedback.

❏    Install Ziva VFX & your new license – We've made it easy with step-by-step tutorial videos. Review our FAQs for setup assistance, if needed.

❏    Browse the Ziva VFX Documentation – It is full of beginner tutorial content and detailed setup information.

❏    Complete your studio integration with the your custom Ziva VFX Access URL, providing the most up to date data in JSON format for simple updating scripting.

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Focus: Practice & Skill Building

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❏    Practice on a Demo Scene – Ziva Tools menu comes loaded with built-in practice scenes. You can see the complete sequence of MEL commands used to make each demo. 

❏    Download a Free Ziva Asset– Once you know the basics, start simming on a free, pre-made Ziva asset. The Ziva Free Store is full of complimentary characters and files to help you succeed.

❏    Follow the video tutorials – Learn faster with topic-specific tutorials lead by Ziva TD Andy van Straten. Each video features the free asset, Mr. Ink, so you can follow along with ease.

❏    Refer to the “Simulation Topics” – Check out the Ziva VFX Documentation manual for a more detailed description of each topic and multiple.

Build: Creating, Sharing, Evolving

❏    Start building your own simple character! Remember to treat what you are solving as real physical objects.

❏    Share your progress on the Ziva Community – Get real-time feedback and inspiration from Ziva TDs and fellow creators.

❏    Download free animations – Check out the Ziva Free Store for complimentary animation files and more.

❏    Browse the production-ready assets – If you're looking boost your production even more, you can skip the building and go straight to animation with Ziva's simulation-ready characters.

Success: Making the Most
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❏    Optimize your Simulation Performance – Check the performance tuning task sheet in the Ziva Docs to find new ways to improve your simulation speeds and build clean sims.

❏    Improve your pipeline with zBuilder – This is a set of open-source python tools for manipulating Ziva VFX scenes.

❏    Join the ZIVA VFX Referral Program – Earn a free 1-year ZIVA VFX Indie License or Academic License when you successfully bring Ziva to your workplace or qualified educational institution.

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