Hotswapping
I need to replace my FBX quickly, but how?
Hotswapping is useful for anyone wanting to quickly and seamlessly overwrite a file in a project. NOTE: This is a destructive process. Always make a backup of the original file in case something goes wrong.
This guide will describe replacing an FBX file. This can also work for any other type of file, but FBX is the most common for this approach.
1. FBX Location & Prep
In your project, you will have a folder or some directory designated for your original FBX file. It may be in the creator's root folder, or under a folder called Models.
In here, you should find an FBX file represented something like this! If it does not have a preview, chances are, it may not be an FBX file. Look elsewhere!
At this stage, please duplicate your model! You always want to keep a backup of your file to revert in case of any unforseen circumstances. The duplicate will be marked with a 1 at the end of the name.
2. File Explorer
With the original file, right-click and select Show in Explorer. File explorer is the name for your Windows file searching system. It's marked with a yellow folder in a blue holder!
When this is clicked, a new folder should appear with your original file, your backup, along with a couple .meta files for each.
Now you can open a new window of File Explorer by pressing Windows + E. The new window should route to your new FBX you'd like to overwrite with.
At this stage, rename the new file to exactly match the name of the old file. Any differences, and the file won't be overwritten. You'll need to reimport it with the correct name.
Drag and drop the new file into the model directory. IF this doesn't let you copy the file over, you can always hit Ctrl + C and Ctrl + V.
If named correctly, you'll be given a confirmation prompt asking if you'd like to replace the existing file. Select Replace the file in the destination, and wait for the process to complete.
You're done! Make sure to keep that backup on-hand, you'll never know when you may need it!