To use this example, you’ll need the linked_data.blend file from the Linked Data post. It’s listed below. Make sure that file is in the same folder as linked_blend.blend. Both files are listed at the end of this post.

See the Suzanne head on the left in linked_blend.blend? Try to Tab into Edit mode on her or change her location. You can’t. The reason for this is because this Suzanne head is linked to the Suzanne head in another file, specifically linked_data.blend. Notice the “Li” icon next to the word Suzanne in the Outliner window below. That, and the light blue selection outline in the 3D View is what lets you know that this object has been pulled from another file. If you want to change this model, you’ll need to do it in the other file.

This is the basis for how linking works. It’s extremely powerful for large projects.

Files:

• linked_data.blend
• linked_blend.blend

As you can see in the OOPS Schematic view of the Outliner window, these three Suzanne heads share the same mesh data. Go ahead and try it. Select any one of them (right-click) and Tab into edit mode. Modifying the vertices in one will modify the verts in all three.

Neat!

Files:

• linked_data.blend

This file is the result of the quick building-modeling step-by-step that’s in Chapter 4. This entire model is made by simply extruding and scaling.

Try it for yourself!  It’s fun!

Files:

• building.blend