SingularByte has announced the release of SmartRefs, a new external referencing plugin for 3DS Max promising significant improvements over Max’s native XRef tools. SmartRefs allow the user to:

• • Modify referenced objects in the master scene, even animate them.

• • Update changes made to the referenced files. Local modifications are retained.

• • Reference and animate a rigged character, including those created with Biped or CAT, in the master scene.

• • Modify, add or delete  animation controllers, modifiers, and materials int he master scene.

• • Have a reference scene just for materials and use them in any number of scenes.

• • Modify hierarchies in the master scene and referenced files, the changes will be updated in the master scenes. Useful for making modifications to rigged characters.

• • Have proxies of whole referenced scenes.

• • Only store modified data in the master scene, keeping files as small as possible.Alternatively referenced objects can be saved in the master scene, making it easier to share a files. When the referenced files are available they can be updated in the master scene automatically.

• • Nest references as much as is required.

• • Work with most of the popular plugins and tools.

• • Work with Design Connected’s Connecter App.

• • Plus much more.

SmartRefs costs $239 per license or $199 for orders of 5 licenses or more. Find our more on the SmartRefs website.