How to Import files and reference files in Autodesk Maya - and WHY
How to import files into Maya and How to reference files into Maya.
In this video I cover the basics of importing and referencing files in Maya.
I also cover why you should consider referencing your rigs instead of importing them. I go over a really quick example of how to copy animation from one rig to another rig in Maya. And then I end with how to replace a reference in Maya. If you are in a pipeline where your characters are being updated as you go, referencing is the way to go. It allows you to seamlessly switch between versions of your characters or rigs so your animators don't go crazy.
The 2 main reasons why you want to learn how to use references in Maya are as follows:
1. A referenced file uses less CPU, and doesn't slow down your computer as bad. An imported file is actually loaded into your Maya file, making your new file a whole lot bigger. References keeps your animation files smaller and more efficient.
2. Referencing your rigs makes it a lot easier to update the animation down the road when you make changes to your characters. You simply go into the reference editor and hit "reload" or "replace reference" and find your new version.
Here are the time stamps if you want to jump ahead:
0:00 Intro and breakdown
1:30 How to Import a file into Autodesk Maya
2:17 How to Reference a file in Autodesk Maya
4:17 How to Copy Animation to a different rig in Maya
6:15 How to Replace a referenced rig in Maya
In case you need to share this video with someone who wants to learn how to import files into Maya, here is the link :)
• How to Import files and reference files in...