Save and load XGen files

You can save XGen Collection and Description files and then load them into another scene or Collection using Export and Import commands. You can access these commands from the Generate menu in the Modeling menu set or from the File menu in the XGen Editor. By default, Maya saves exported Collections and Descriptions to an xgen folder in the user directory. For example:

C:/Users/user/Documents/xgen/collection.xgen

You can save and load the following Collection and Description files:

• Collection (.xgen) files include the associated Descriptions and patch bindings.

  See XGen Collections.

• Descriptions (.xdsc) files include pointers to the locations of the Ptex, points (.xuv) and XGen modifier files used in the source Description.
  Note: After you load an exported Description, you may need to browse to the source location of any Ptex, points (.xuv), and modifier files used in the source Description.

  You can select the Collection to which you want to add the Description. If there is no associated Collection, Maya creates one. See XGen Descriptions?.

  Important: When you import a Description into the current scene, the target surface geometry must have the same topology as the original surface geometry. Otherwise, any Ptex maps associated with the Description have no affect.
• Files associated with groomable splines must be exported and imported separately by selecting File > Export Grooming and File > Import Grooming from the XGen Editor. Export and import the Description or Collection before using Export Grooming or Import Grooming. See XGen Editor File menu.

You can use the Python export and import commands to save and load XGen modifiers (.xgfx) files. See Use Python commands to export and import XGen files.When you load a modifier into a Description, it must generate the same primitive type as the source Description. You can execute the command from within Maya or from within a Python session.

Related topics

• Import Collections or Descriptions options
• Export Collections or Descriptions options
• Manage XGen files and directories
• Use Python commands to export and import XGen files