Page 149 - Kitab3DsMax

Chapter 3: Working with Files, Importing, and Exporting

The Output Path is the location where the files are collected. You can change this location using the
Browse button.

FIGURE 3.21
The Resource Collector utility can compile all referenced files into a single location.

The utility includes options to Collect Bitmaps, to include the Max scene file, and to compress the files into
a compressed WinZip file. The Copy option makes copies of the files, and the Move option moves the
actual file into the directory specified in the Output Path field. The Update Materials option updates all
material paths in the Material Editor. When you’re comfortable with the settings, click the Begin button to
start the collecting.

Using the File Link Manager utility

The File Link Manager utility (which also can be accessed using the Application Button ➪ References ➪ File
Link Manager menu) lets you use external AutoCAD and Revit files in the same way that you use Max’s
XRef features. By creating links between the current Max scene and an external AutoCAD or Revit file, you
can reload the linked file when the external AutoCAD or Revit file has been updated and see the updates
within Max.
Cross-Ref

XRefs are covered in Chapter 24, “Building Complex Scenes with Containers and XRefs and Using Asset Tracking.” n
This utility is divided into three panels—Attach, Files, and Presets. The Attach panel includes a File button
to select and open a DWG or DXF file. The Attach panel also includes options to rescale the file units, a
button to select which layers to include, and a button to attach the file. The Files panel displays each linked
AutoCAD file along with icons to show if the linked file has changed. A Reload button allows you to click to
reload the linked file within Max. The Preset panel lets you define file linking presets.

Using i-drop
To make accessing needed files from the Web even easier, Autodesk has created a technology known as
i-drop that lets you drag files from i-drop supported Web pages and drop them directly into Max. With
i-drop, you can drag and drop Max-created light fixture models, textures, or any other Max-supported file
from a light manufacturer’s Web site into your scene without importing and positioning a file. This format
allows you to add geometry, photometric data, and materials.

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