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Creating Links to Files
You can establish, reload, and detach links to any number of linked files. You
can also edit out unnecessary information by using layers and other filters.
The File Link Manager defines which geometry is included in the scene from
the linked file, how the geometry is organized, and when it's regenerated. You
can also create links to files using the drag and drop feature. The objects that
you bring in from linked files behave just like any other object created in 3ds
Max. You can scale, rotate, and move them as well as attach modifiers and
materials.
When 3ds Max stores linked file data, you'll need to decide how the objects
from the linked files will be organized in the scene. For example, drawings
are commonly organized by layers, blocks, and objects, and 3ds Max scenes
are organized by hierarchies of objects. For translating between systems, 3ds
Max includes object types called
VIZBlocks on page 7967 and Block/Style
Parents
on page 7732 .
Working with VIZBlocks and Block/Style Parents
A VIZBlock and a Block/Style Parent is like a nested block; it has an
object/sub-object or parent/child hierarchy structure. In many cases, linked
drawing data initially appears as a VIZBlock or Block/Style Parent (depending
on the
Derive AutoCAD Primitives By options on page 6800 you choose). Using
VIZBlocks is helpful when you're working with layering and color schemes.
You can create multiple links to the same linked file, so you can use the same
geometry in different combinations.
Dynamic Blocks in 3ds Max
Dynamic Blocks give blocks flexibility and intelligence. A dynamic block
reference can easily be changed in a drawing while you work. You can
manipulate the geometry through custom grips or custom properties.
The File Link Manager handles dynamic blocks much the same way as any
other block found in a DWG file. Dynamic block instances, even those that
have been grip-edited, display certain types of instance behavior such as
material propagation. For more detailed information about dynamic block
handling in 3ds Max, see
Blocks on page 6844 .
Reloading, Binding and Detaching Links to Files
You can also reload or detach linked files. When you reload a linked file, any
changes you've made to the linked file are applied to the reloaded geometry
in your scene. Note, however, that 3ds Max won't edit or change your original
File Link | 6775