While a material is applied to an object, it is part of the scene, and is saved with the scene. You can also save a material by putting it into a material library.
Material libraries have a .mat file name extension. Some libraries are provided in the \materiallibraries subdirectory of the 3ds Max root directory. The file 3dsmax.mat is the default library. You can add your material to this library, or create your own libraries.
To save a material in a library:
- In the Slate Material Editor, right-click the Material/Map Browser and choose Open Material Library. (Alternatively, create a new library; see the following procedure.)
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 panel.
- Also in the Material/Map Browser, drag the material from the Scene Materials group to the entry for the library file.
The material becomes part of the library as well.
- In the Material/Map Browser panel, 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.
Note: You can also right-click the library file entry, select the library path and name, and select Save or Save As. When you select Save As, you can specify a new file name and also save as compatible with a previous version of 3ds Max, up to three previous versions.