Link an FBX file like a DWG file

[azmz3]

Does anyone know if it possible to link an FBX file into 3ds Max Design in the same manner you would link a DWG file. since Autodesk is touting the interoperability between Revit and Max, you would think this would be a possibility.

[Steve_Bennett]

Like most of the stuff Autodesk takes a first stab at, there is usually more to be desired. The best I can offer for a temporary workaround is the following:

Export from revit to fbx.
Import fbx into max scene A and save
Create a second file in 3ds max - we can call it scene B
Use the option File-> Xref Objects to bring the 3ds max file scene A into scene b. Bring all objects in - filter out unneeded ones
While they are selected create either a group or selection set for control later on
Add all entourage to scene B, change colors or materials as well if needed in MAX.
If the design of the building changes in revit, follow steps 1 & 2 again only erase the existing geometry before re-importing the model.I know its not ideal, but better than nothing and sets it up like a linked autocad file. If you are looking for changes made in max to go back to revit you will have to wait. If you recall, this was not possible with autocad files that were linked either.

[azmz3]

this is our situation, we are looking at using MAX as strictly a renderer, with materials and textures, possibly entourage coming from Revit, and being finalized in MAX. We dont to export to DWG, since we will lose the ProMaterials from Revit, we want to use the FBX file format, but that cant be linked. the method that you mentioned, I did find in a 3ds Max Design Whitepaper that addressed that question. It adds an extra step, but if it lets me keep my materials and textures, then it may be worth it.

[dellis]

Unfortunately this is the only "way around" this problem...for now!