Scene with multiple objects - Is it possible to export everything as a single object, but maintain multiple objects in the outliner? Ok, yeah, that might have been a bit confusing as a title...let's see if I can clear it up!

I'm working in Unity and building the geometry for scenes in Blender. This can involve quite a few objects.


Ideally, I want to join everything up to export it as a single FBX. I could do this by joining.

However, I also want to preserve in Blender everything as a seperate object which allows easier editing.

Does that make sense?

Are there any ways to temporarily join everything up just for export?
Historically, I like to make two files. A working file for editing and a flattened or joined file, saving over or making a new copy of the joined file each time I edit the working file. It stays quite organized with proper naming conventions. I am not aware of another way to accomplish what you are asking.