Skip to content

5. Import Export

Import and export settings#

Expand Import / Export Settings. Linker shows separate Import and Export sections

for the active model's format.

A setting is editable across multiple selected models only when:

  1. every selected linked model uses the same file format; and

  2. every selected linked model has the same current value for that setting.

A mixed setting is disabled and its section shows Multiple values. Matching

settings remain available for batch editing. If the selection mixes FBX and OBJ, the

whole format editor is disabled until the selection contains one format.

FBX settings#

FBX Import includes scale, normals, subdivision data, custom properties, vertex

colors, animation, validation, and material-collision settings supported by the

detected importer. FBX Export includes scale, axes, subdivision, unit scaling, space

transform, modifiers, armature/bone options, custom properties, and animation baking.

Blender 5.1 uses wm.fbx_import. Blender 4.2 uses the legacy compatible importer

when the native operator is unavailable. Linker forwards only parameters supported

by the installed Blender operator.

OBJ settings#

OBJ Import includes scale, clamp size, axes, object/group splitting, vertex groups,

and mesh validation. OBJ Export includes scale, axes, materials, smooth groups, and

modifier application.

Presets#

Import and Export have independent named preset selectors. Presets are format-specific

and belong to the current Blender scene. Preset definitions and each model's selected

preset IDs are stored in the .blend file.

Save a preset#

  1. Select linked models with one format and matching values in the relevant section.

  2. Click + beside the Import or Export preset selector.

  3. Enter a descriptive name and confirm.

  4. Linker creates the preset and selects it for every selected linked model.

Saving is disabled while the section contains mixed values. Saving with an existing

name replaces that preset. Models outside the selection that referenced the previous

payload are marked Custom, preventing a stale preset label.

Load a preset#

  1. Select linked models with the same current preset selection.

  2. Open the Import or Export preset selector.

  3. Choose a compatible preset.

  4. Linker applies it to every distinct selected linked model.

When current preset selections differ, the selector is disabled and shows **Multiple

values**. Narrow the selection until it is unambiguous, then load the preset.

Custom settings and shared values#

Changing a parameter manually marks affected preset selections as Custom. Import

and Export presets remain independently selected when shared parameters—such as scale

or OBJ axes—still match both preset payloads. Loading an incompatible shared value

marks only the affected opposite selection as Custom.

Preserve data during Reload#

The On Reload material, UV, and transform options belong to Import presets. Use

- to remove the selected preset. Removing one marks all referencing models Custom

without changing their current parameter values.

The Import section's On Reload settings control whether Linker replaces or

preserves materials, UVs, and transforms when it reloads an external file.

Objects are paired by stable import order. UV data can only be restored when old and

new mesh loop counts match. For topology-changing files, keep replacement enabled

unless the pipeline guarantees a compatible mapping.

Reload imports replacement objects before deleting the existing model. If the import

creates no objects or reports an error, Linker keeps the existing model. Constraints,

drivers, or other relationships targeting replaced object instances may still need

repair after a major hierarchy change.