You can export an asset in an existing scene as a reference. This creates a child file containing the selected nodes and automatically creates the appropriate file referencing relationship between the two files. For more information see Export objects as a referenced file.
To export an asset in a scene as a reference
- Select the asset(s) you want to export.
- Select File > Export Selection >
. - In the Export Selection Options, turn Keep only a reference on.
- (Optional) You can also use the Include Options section to include additional data outside of the asset, such as other animation or shaders. Anything encapsulated by the asset is included automatically.
- Click Export Selection.
- In the file browser that appears, select a location and enter a name for the reference file.
Maya exports all the selected nodes to an external file. It then creates a reference from the asset in that external file to the parent scene.