9

Interpreting Layer Data from AutoCAD, AutoCAD Architecture, or Revit 421
when the instanced or referenced object is deleted
in the linked file.
When you copy actively li nked objects, linked
through the File Link Manager (page 3–422),the
copies are automatically converted to editable
mesh or editable spline objects. If your selection
con tains several objects which instance another
object,theresultingcopiesalsoinstancethesame
object.
Compound Obj ects Contai ning Activel y
Link ed Objects
If you use an actively linked object as part of a
compound object, you should always choose
Copy when you specify how the linked object is
transferred to the compound object. Choosing
ReferenceorInstancecancauseinstabilityinthe
software.
Attaching Actively Link ed Objects to
an Editable Mesh, Poly, Patch, or S pline
Object
Actively lin ked objects should not be attached to
editable objects, as this introduces instability to
the software. Instead, make a copy of the actively
linked object, and attach the clone to the editable
object.
Creat ing Hier a rchies with Activ ely
Link ed Objects
Creating parent-child links between ac tively
linked objects AND 3ds Max objects can cause
unpredictable results. For this reason, 3ds Max
does not allow you to link an actively linked object
to a 3ds Max object. H o wever, you can link a
3ds Max object to an actively linked object.
The existing hierarchies of linked objects cannot
be broken in 3ds Max. This would compromise
the st ructure of Blocks and Styles. Any changes
must be made in the original DWG file.
Similarly, actively linked objects cannot be
included in the creation of Group (page 1–104) or
Assembly (page 1–107) objects in 3ds Max.
Contr oller A ssi gnments
Actively linked objects should not be included
inanyIKanimationchains,astheywillcause
unpredictable results. Likewise, animation
controllersshouldnotbeappliedtoactivelylinked
objects.
Assignments to avoid include:
• HI IK Solver (page 2–446)
• IK Limb Solver (page 2–472)
• Spline IK Solver (page 2–473)
• HD IK Solver (page 2–461)
• Inherit Link Info (page 2–500)
• Link Inheritance Utility (page 2–435)
• Assign Controller (page 2–546)
Interpreting Layer Data from
AutoCAD, AutoCAD A rchitecture,
or R evi t
3ds Max has its own Layer system that looks and
operates lik e a simplified version of the system you
are familiar with from AutoCAD or AutoCAD
Architecture (formerly Architectural Desktop). As
in AutoCAD or AutoCAD Architecture, you can
hide and unhide layers, freeze and unfreeze them,
and change the display color for all objects on the
layer.
Note: Categories in your Revit projec t are similar
to Layers in AutoCAD. When you export your
project to a DWG, categories are mapped to
AutoCAD Layers via the Export Layers table. For
more informat ion regarding Export Layers, refer
to your Autodesk Revit Help file.