Export an asset as a file reference

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

1. Select the asset(s) you want to export.
2. Select File > Export Selection > .
3. In the Export Selection Options, turn Keep only a reference on.
4. (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.
5. Click Export Selection.
6. 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.