Using Material Libraries

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:

  1. In the Material/Map Browser, open the Options menu and choose Open Material 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.

  2. Drag the material you want from the library file entry in the Material/Map Browser to the active View (or simply double-click the entry for the material).

To save a material in a library:

  1. In the Material/Map Browser, open the Options menu and choose Open Material 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.

  2. Also in the Material/Map Browser, drag the material from another group (for example, Scene Materials) to the entry for the library file.

    The material becomes part of the library as well.

    Tip: If the material is in the active View, you can also drag a wire from the material's output socket, then drop the material onto the library group.
  3. In the Material/Map Browser, right-click the library file entry and choose Close Material Library.

    3ds Max asks if you want to save changes to the library. Click Yes.

To create a new library: