Do you edit or animate rig the downloaded one directly? Or do you edit the copied data?

[amaterasu-qbb]

I have a question for everyone. What should I do with rigs downloaded online?
Do you edit the downloaded one directly? Or do you edit the copied data?

If I edit it directly, I feel that it will not return to the original (worried)

[amaterasu-qbb]

Hello. I would like to write my current thoughts.
First of all, I think it is good to make a copy for backup purposes. However, I think that the Reference function is sufficient to avoid making changes to the original.
I tried to ask about opportunities to use Import, but I couldn't. I would like your opinion here. I would like to hear your opinions here.
My guess is that Import is good for loading, for example, a building in the background into a scene with the ground. Is this correct?

[amaterasu-qbb · Accepted solution]

I updated my thought in 2023.

1. Create a new project folder for animation work (Project Window).
2. Once created, File>Create Reference (Ctrl+R)
3. Select the .ma or .mb data where the rig was created in the folder containing the original rig, and run Reference

In this way, animation can be added without destroying the original rig.