You can create new file references from the Reference Options window. Creating a reference involves setting reference options and then browsing to the location of the file you want to reference into the parent scene. You can access the Reference Options window by:
- Right-clicking an empty area in the Outliner and selecting Reference > Create Reference >
. - Selecting File > Create Reference > .
After you create a file reference, it is loaded in the scene and its reference node appears in the Outliner indicated by an 
icon. Objects belonging to referenced files are indicated by an 
icon and grouped objects by an 
icon. To see reference nodes and the object hierarchy or members of each reference node, in the Outliner Display menus, turn on Reference Nodes and Reference Members
The Attribute Editor displays the information about reference nodes such as the reference file path, its namespace, and sharing details. You can unload and reload references by clicking the icons located in the File section.
There are a number of options you can use to manage and modify file references and their contents. These options are available from the Reference menu in the Outliner or Reference Editor. They include:
- Export selected objects as a reference
- Load, unload, and reload references
- Preview unloaded content
- View selected references
- Duplicate, replace, and remove references
- Save, import, export, and view edits made to references
- Lock and unlock references
For information about the Reference menu options, see Outliner contextual menu.