Material libraries assemble related materials for convenience.
Some libraries are provided with 3ds Max. You can also create your own custom libraries.
To get a material from a library:
3ds Max opens a file dialog so you can choose the library (MAT file) to open.
After you choose a library, that library appears in the Material/Map Browser.
To save a material in a library:
3ds Max opens a file dialog so you can choose the library (MAT file) where you will save the material.
After you choose a library, that library appears in the Material/Map Browser.
The material becomes part of the library as well.
3ds Max asks if you want to save changes to the library. Click Yes.
To create a new library:
3ds Max prompts you for a name for the new library.
The new library appears in the Material/Map Browser.
3ds Max saves the library as a MAT file with the name you entered; for example, New Library.mat. The default location for the library is the \materiallibraries folder in your current project. If you have not set a project folder, it saves the new library in the folder <3ds Max program folder>\materiallibraries.