Following a successful private beta of ftrack Connect 2.0, we are pleased to invite pipeline developers to join the platform’s public beta and try out the new framework and functionality.

ftrack Connect 2.0 is based on a new framework designed for pipeline developers to easily extend and customize as they create a complete studio toolset. Follow the link below to join the beta and explore ftrack Connect 2.0’s new and improved technical back-end. You’ll receive everything you need to get up and running.

Read on to learn how to join the beta and to discover some of the new features that will streamline back-end development of the Connect platform.

Download the ftrack Connect 2.0 beta

What is ftrack Connect 2.0 and who is it for?

ftrack Connect is a desktop application that enables users to integrate ftrack Studio with creative apps, publish assets, launch custom code, and more. Learn more about ftrack Connect here.

ftrack Connect 2.0 is the latest update to the Connect platform—it presents a new framework that balances built-in functionality, configurability, and ease of use. The release is geared toward pipeline developers looking for easier ways to more easily integrate Connect into their pipeline, rather than artists or producers looking for updates to DCC integrations.

Below you can find a quick rundown of the new features coming to ftrack Connect 2.0, which you can explore via the beta.

ftrack Connect 2.0 features

A much-improved code-base

ftrack Connect’s legacy API and code have been removed in 2.0 and we’ve based the new platform on completely improved technology. That means development, coding, and customization in ftrack Connect 2.0 is now simpler and more consistent. We can also use Python 3 and PySide2 in further development work, which is a big move in further aligning ftrack with the VFX Reference Platform.

 

The new framework is also designed to make it easy to write custom code that takes care of asset load and publishing. The framework achieves this by introducing “definitions”; essentially JSON schemas that configure which framework plugins (loaders and publishers) to run for a certain ftrack asset type.

Updated build and packing system

ftrack Connect 2.0’s new build and packing system offers a simple and elegant way to build, install, and release Connect from sources and package for redistribution. We have also developed Dockerized builds for the creation of automated builds when needed.

Application launcher

ftrack Connect 2.0 saves time via a new configuration-based application launcher, meaning you can express launchers via a config file, rather than having to code the same hook for every app. ( Here are the configurations.) As such, the creation of basic features requires less technical skill. (The code approach is still available for those who prefer to take the advanced route.) In ftrack Connect 2.0, configurations are centrally stored rather than contained in each integration.

Updated integrations

Integrations are now separated from the ftrack Connect launcher and instead use a listener approach to inject themselves into the starting application. By self-containing integration logic into the integration itself rather than the launcher, it’s much simpler to utilize multiple integrations, debug, and customize.

Customizability via the ftrack Connect Widget

The ftrack Connect Widget introduces custom tabs, which can contain and run any custom code you desire. Previously, users could access just two tabs: Actions and Publish. With the new tab plugins, users can more deeply customize the UI and add as many tabs related to whatever processes they wish. Say, for example, you want to add a tab that displays time tracking information across a range of deliverables—you can now add that to the UI.

A host of other improvements

ftrack Connect 2.0 also offers the following:

  • Linux Centos 8 support
  • HIDPI support
  • The return of dark theme!

We’re running this beta to ensure ftrack Connect 2.0 works seamlessly alongside your productions come full launch. As such, we welcome all feedback, whether it’s about bugs, workflow challenges, or ideas about where we could take the platform next. We’ll consider everything as we continue to refine ftrack Connect 2.0 and prepare the platform for full release in 2022.

Please share your feedback with us via support@ftrack.com.

Try Connect 2.0 for free

Start your free ftrack Studio trial and start exploring the new features in ftrack Connect 2.0.

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