Load layers in the USD Layer Editor

You can load one or multiple existing layers into the layer stack of a stage with the USD Layer Editor. The loaded layer will be nested under the selected layer or the root layer (if no layer is selected).

Load an existing layer

  1. Do one of the following to open the USD Layer Editor:

    • Select Windows > USD Layer Editor
    • In the Outliner, right-click stage or stageShape and select USD Layer Editor

  1. To bring up the Load Sublayers to <LayerName> dialog, do one of the following:

    • Click

    • Right-click a layer > Load Sublayers...

      Use this dialog to import existing USD files into your Layer Stack.

      1. Specify the existing layer's file path on disc or use the folder icon to locate the file with the file browser. Tip: Once you have selected valid file(s), under File Options, you can select Make Path Relative to Parent Layer Directory, if applicable. With this toggle, you can load and save USD sublayer files as relative to your parent file directory. To learn more about saving USD files relatively, see Make Path Relative.

        Tip: In your file browser, hold Shift or Control to select multiple files for layer import.
        Important: If you have Windows > Settings/ Preferences > Preferences > Files/ Projects > File Dialog set to OS Native, you will see your operating system's file browser instead of this dialog.

      2. Click / to add/remove a sublayer from your import, respectively.

      3. When you are finished you can select Load Sublayers to complete your layer import or Cancel to undo this action.

      4. The contents of the newly loaded sublayer(s) are reflected in the Viewport and Outliner. The parent layer to the loaded layer(s) receives an asterisk to indicate unsaved edits.

      Important: If you specify an invalid file path, it will be added to the layer stack but display with a warning badge. You will not be able to mute it, set it as the target layer or reorder it in the layer stack. The only available operation is to right-click the layer and select Remove.

Further edits with the USD Layer Editor

  1. Save changes to your layer stack on disk. For more information, see Save edits in the USD Layer Editor.
  2. Repeat the previous steps to continue to load layers to build your layer hierarchy. For more information on working with the Layer Editor, see USD Layer Editing and Organize layers in the USD Layer Editor.
  3. To add a prim or a reference to a layer, ensure that the desired layer is set as the target layer. For more information on specific steps, see Work with USD data in the Outliner.
  4. Tip: You can save USD files relatively to your Maya scene file and parent file directories. To learn more about saving USD files relatively, see Make Path Relative.
Parent page: Work with the USD Layer Editor