At some point you might need to use the File Merge command to merge a character into your scene. Also, you can use Merge to clone a biped that has a mesh with the Physique modifier applied, as described in this topic.
To clone a character (that is, a biped with a Physique mesh), save a scene that contains the character, change the original biped's name, and then use File Merge to merge the copy from the saved file. You can merge from a saved version of the scene that is currently open. See the procedures for details.
If you skip this step, you will get a Duplicate Name dialog for every object in the merged biped's hierarchy!
The default name for the biped center of mass is Bip001. If the biped was renamed on the Structure rollout, find the renamed center of mass in the list.
Selecting a biped while merging a MAX scene
In the illustration, the center of mass object is named Hero . With Select Subtree active, all the children are also selected when you click Hero, including the Physique mesh.
Probably a Duplicate Name dialog is displayed. If it isn't, the merge is done; if it is, see the following step.
To hide the finger, toe, and head dummy objects:
The dummy objects for fingers, toes, and the head are visible on the newly merged biped. Usually these dummies are hidden from sight. They are used by Physique to create envelopes for all the finger tips, toe tips, and head; these dummies display when a character is merged. The quickest way to hide them again is simply to toggle the Objects button in the Biped rollout's Display group, as described in these steps.
Fingertip dummies displayed as blue cubes
The number of biped dummies varies according to how many fingers and toes the character has.
(If the rollout is already expanded, the bar shows a minus sign at the left, instead of a plus.)
The original biped, with its Physique modifier, is cloned. It appears in the same location as the original biped.