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VIZ Render (DRF) Files 527
The Linked Geometry user interface on the Modify panel
3ds Max recognizes Linked Geometry objects
when you open a MAX file created in Autodesk
VIZ. Since Linked Geometr y objects offer no
parameters on the Modify panel, you have to
modify these objects by converting them to
Editable Mesh or Splines or applying modifiers on
top of them.
Linked Geometry objects are also assigned a
LinkTM controller. If the object is converted to
an Editable Mesh or Editable Spline, t he LinkTM
controller is replaced with a PRS controller.
File Link Reloading
IfyouplanonworkingonanAutodeskVIZscene
in 3ds Max, you should download the latest service
pack for the product. The latest service pack
includes fu nctionality that makes 3ds Max more
compatible with Autodesk VIZ.
Materials
In 3ds Max, the ambient (page 3–908) and diffuse
(page 3–929) color channels are locked for
standard materials, however this is not the case
in Autodesk VIZ. As a result, MAX files from
Autodesk VIZ may render differently in 3ds Max.
To solve this issue, use the Fix Ambient utility (page
3–512).
Missing Ma ps
Many times, when you open a MAX file from
Autodesk VIZ, you will be presented with a
Missing External Files dialog (page 3–503).To
locate the missing files, click Browse and then add
the appropriate Autodesk VIZ directories to the
Configure E xternal File Paths dialog (page 3–811).
VIZ R ender (DR F ) Files
DRF is the file format for VIZ Render, a rendering
tool included with Autodesk Architectural
Desktop 2005. The DRF fi le type is simi lar to MAX
filesfrompreviousversionsofAutodeskVIZ.
This file format is available only when you use the
File menu > Open (page 3–387) command. All
DRF files must be saved as M AX fi les in 3ds Max.
Like wise, DRF fi les cannot be imported or merged
into 3ds Max scenes.
Note: You can open DRF files using d rag-and-drop
functionality.
Saving DRF Files
DRF files must b e saved as MAX files in 3ds Max.
Impor tant: O nce you save a DRF file in 3ds Max, it
becomes a MAX file and you can no longer open it in
VIZ R ender.
Defa ults
3dsMaxshipswithseveralmarket-specificdefaults
sets. If you are working on design visualization
types of files, you should load the DesignVIZ