Working with Drawing 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 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 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 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.

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 linked file. The integrity of your other software's design database is never compromised by the File Link Manager. Finally, if you decide to break a link to a linked file, there are two options. You can use Bind to keep the objects from the linked file in your scene, or you can use Detach to have them removed along with the link. For more information, see File Link Tips.

Note: Both Detach and Bind are available from the Files panel of the File Link Manager.

3ds Max supports the display and use of custom AutoCAD objects. These custom objects are created using the ObjectDBX™ or ObjectARX^® APIs. Applications and products that work with either of these APIs can read and write to AutoCAD drawings, and ObjectARX products can extend the available feature set of AutoCAD.

Note: To improve file performance, some of the ObjectDBX rules have been updated. This means that some DXF files, ones built by non-Autodesk products or very old DXF files, may no longer import or file link into 3ds Max.

AutoCAD and AutoCAD vertical applications, such as Architectural Desktop (ADT), have custom objects that are unique to the product. In order to view them in 3ds Max, you need the appropriate Object Enabler (OE). Object Enablers let you access, display, and manipulate these objects in 3ds Max, as well as the other vertical applications, including 3ds Max.

When you use the File Link Manager to Attach a DWG file to your scene, you may encounter a Proxy Objects Detected dialog. This means there are custom objects in the drawing that require special Object Enablers before you can edit the objects in 3ds Max.

Do not show this message again—Check this option to not display this message the next time proxy objects are detected.

For a list of downloadable OEs, see the Autodesk Web site

Note: Drawings that are exported from Revit do not require Object Enablers.