# Ep.22 — [FAQ] Animation data disappears

## 📂 Fast-Ref: Preventing animation loss — workflow guide

### 1. Issue

- **Situation:** When loading files via `Fast-Ref` (Load/Add), animation data that was included in the rig source disappears.

### 2. Reference pipeline (Best Practice)

The standard approach is to separate rig source and animation data as follows:

| **Category** | **Rig source (Rig)** | **Animation file (Ani)** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Animation data** | **X (Empty)** | **O (Data Included)** |
| **Rig link state** | Source file | Rig file is **Link**ed |

> 💡 Note: In 3ds Max game animation workflows, this reference-based pipeline may feel unfamiliar or differ from your current habits. It is structured for efficient collaboration—see the solutions below.
>

![image.png](image.png)

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### 3. Root cause

This happens due to a **data structure conflict** when the rig source contains animation keys.

- **Detail:** When loading rig files, Fast-Ref automatically cleans up animation to keep an optimal state. If the source includes test animation, the algorithm can get confused and data may be lost.

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### 4. Solution

### ✅ Option A. Clean rig source data (recommended)

- Remove unnecessary test animation from the rig source file. This keeps the data structure cleanest.

### ✅ Option B. Temporarily disable auto cleanup

- In **[Option]** → **[General Option]**, uncheck **`Auto CleanUp Animation`**.
- Use this **only once** when you must preserve data; re-enable it afterward for normal optimization.

![image.png](image_1.png)

### ✅ Option C. Preserve data with [CONVERT]

- Convert an existing animation file with **[CONVERT]**, then replace with the rig file to safely keep animation data.
- **Reference:** [Fast-Ref Convert guide](https://otakusolutions.com/ko/learn/fast-ref/merge-convert)

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### 🚀 Learn more: Recommended reference workflow

See **Fast-Ref’s recommended production setup** for smooth collaboration and data management—folder structure, path rules, and more.

👉 [**Fast-Ref reference-based workflow guide**](https://otakusolutions.com/ko/learn/fast-ref/quick-start) *(See the “Required production environment” section at the bottom!)*