Autodesk 12812-051462-9011 User Guide 3 - Page 1724

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 8165 and Block/Style Parents on page 7928. 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 7004 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 7048. 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 | 6979