[FAQ] How Do I Use Our Studio's Custom Export Tool?
Fast-Ref is fundamentally designed for optimized FBX export for game engines through its built-in features. However, we fully understand that each studio has its own unique pipeline and customization needs.
All components within Fast-Ref are designed based on 3ds Max standard nodes. Therefore, as long as you do not save the scene file after exporting, you are free to edit the data structure and integrate with your in-house tools.
⚠️ Most Important Rule: Never save the scene after an export operation.
Fast-Ref's reference system data will be lost, making normal management impossible.
1. Reset All References Feature (v1.0.4+)
Using the Reset All References feature available from v1.0.4, all references are converted to regular scene objects, allowing you to work freely without any Fast-Ref link dependencies.
Path: Tools → Edit → Reset All References (Merge All)
This feature automatically performs the following operations:
- Clean up all namespaces and suffixes
- Release hierarchy structure
- Flatten layer structure
- Remove Fast-Ref system data
When you need temporary integration with your in-house export tool, simply run this feature before proceeding with the export.
⚠️ Once again: Do not save the scene after Reset. Just proceed with the export without saving.
Merge All Options (Configurable in General Options)
The suffix cleanup options applied when running Reset All References can be changed in the General Options dialog.
Path: Tools → General Options → Merge All Options
| Option | Default | Description | Default Intent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Force Remove Node Suffix (.r*) | ✅ ON | Removes .r1, .r2 suffixes from node names | Game engines map Bones/Meshes by node name, so remaining suffixes can break retargeting and script references |
| Force Remove Layer Suffix (.r*) | ⬜ OFF | Removes suffixes from layer names (auto-merges if identical names exist) | When the same resource is placed multiple times, unintended layer merging may occur, so it defaults to OFF for safety |
| Force Remove SelectionSet Suffix (.r*) | ✅ ON | Removes suffixes from SelectionSet names (auto-merges if identical names exist) | Export scripts often assign groups by SelectionSet name, so remaining suffixes may cause compatibility issues |
2. Script API Support (Planned)
For cases requiring more advanced automation, we plan to provide a Fast-Ref Script API. Your in-house TAs can use Python scripts to automate operations such as querying, adding, removing, and merging references.
from os_fast_ref.api import FastRefAPI
api = FastRefAPI()
# 현재 레퍼런스 조회
refs = api.get_reference_list()
# 전체 Merge (Reset All과 동일)
api.merge_all_references()Detailed API documentation will be provided separately. Please contact us if you need assistance.
3. Manual Editing Reference Notes
If you choose to write your own scripts for editing without using the API or Reset feature, please refer to the rules below.
- Namespace Removal: Remove the string before the : symbol. (e.g., Mable:Root.r1 → Root.r1)
- Suffix Removal: Remove suffixes in the .r* format. (e.g., Root.r1 → Root)
- Hierarchy Release: Unparent child nodes of nodes starting with [REF].
- Layer Cleanup: Move child layers under [REF]-prefixed layers to the top level, then delete the [REF] layers.
💡 Our Most Recommended Approach
The most efficient integration method is to share your studio's internal export environment and requirements with us. In the process of providing direct guidance, we often discover unexpectedly simpler solutions.
If you need technical support during the structure analysis or integration process, please feel free to contact us anytime using the information below.
OtakuSolutions actively supports your flexible pipeline development.