MP File Extension

What is MP file?

MP files are supported by Maya Personal Learning Edition (PLE), a free edition of 3D modeling an animation software package.

Contents of MP files

Paid edition of Maya is used for professional special effects production in movie industry. This software is also used in game production, for making videos and animations or interactive 3D applications. The PLE version, which supports MP files, offers the same set of functionalities, such as:

• 3D modeling,
• advanced rendering options,
• simulation packages for water, gas, cloth and fur physics,
• dynamic collision and geometry engine,
• a dedicated scripting language.

All those functions can be used to create objects and save them into MP files. Those file will store information about the virtual scene and nodes along with their parameters. All effects generated by Maya are applied to the virtual scene.

Other contents of MP files

Each MP file contains a watermark to quickly identify the versions of Maya in which the animation was generated. This solution precludes commercial application of projects created using the free PLE version. For additional security, MP files use an unique format that is not supported by Maya Unlimited.

Programs which support MP file extension

Below you will find an index of software programs that can be used to open MP files divided into 2 categories according to system platform supported. Files with MP extension, just like any other file formats, can be found on any operating system. The files in question may be transferred to other devices, be it mobile or stationary, yet not all systems may be capable of properly handling such files.

Updated: 11/17/2023

How to open file with MP extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening MP files on given system. What is important, all common issues related to files with MP extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Download and install Maya

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening MP files is that no program that can handle MP files is installed on user’s system. The most obvious solution is to download and install Maya or one to the listed programs: Autodesk Maya. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. The safest method of downloading Maya installed is by going to developer’s website () and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of Maya

If the problems with opening MP files still occur even after installing Maya, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of Maya is available. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. The reason that Maya cannot handle files with MP may be that the software is outdated. The latest version of Maya should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Associate Maya PLE Project Format files with Maya

After installing Maya (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open MP files. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

Change the default application in Windows

• Right-click the MP file and choose Open with option
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where Maya is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open MP files and clicking OK.

Change the default application in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with MP extension, select Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• Select Maya and click Change for all...
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with MP extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Verify that the MP is not faulty

You closely followed the steps listed in points 1-3, but the problem is still present? You should check whether the file is a proper MP file. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. Check the MP file for viruses or malware

If the MP is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. If the scanner detected that the MP file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Verify that the MP file’s structure is intact

Did you receive the MP file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. When downloading the file with MP extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the Maya PLE Project Format file again.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run Maya

The operating systems may note enough free resources to run the application that support MP files. Close all running programs and try opening the MP file.

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with Maya PLE Project Format files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with MP files affecting older versions of given software.

Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the MP file, we will be grateful if you share it with our users. To do this, use the form here and send us your information on MP file.