Creating a file reference

Learning Resources > Tutorials > Getting Started with Maya > File Referencing > Lesson 1: Using file references >

A file reference is a set of objects that appear in a scene, but are not stored in that scene. Instead, the scene refers to external files in which they are stored.

To create a file referenced zombie

Select File > Create Reference > .
The Create Reference options window appears.
In the Shared Reference Options, turn on Shared Nodes, Display layers, and Shading networks.
Click Reference.
The File Browser appears.
Select zombieShuffle.mb and then click the Reference button.
A new zombie appears in the scene. When you play the animation, the zombie shuffles a short distance.