Add Materials From a File

In this task you will add materials to a material library from an existing file, files, or folders.

This method is useful when you want to import existing material includes into the material library.

  1. In the Model Browser, click the Materials View icon () on the toolbar.
    All materials in the current model file display.
  2. In an empty area of the browser window, right-click and select Library > Add > from files from the context menu.
    The Add Folders and Files dialog displays.


    Figure 1.
  3. In the Add Folders and Files dialog, click either the Add Files button (to specify certain files) or the Add Folders button (to add all files in the folder).
    Note: In the lower half of the Add Folder and Files dialog, you can add files and folders that you would like to exclude from the process.
  4. Browse to the files and folders that you would like to add to the material library, and after you have selected them, click OK.
    The selected files and folders are listed under Include Files and Folders.
  5. Click OK in Add Folders and Files dialog to add the items to the material library.
    Note: This process could take several minutes as each file is parsed and its individual properties are extracted, stored as metadata, and indexed. You will be notified when the process is complete.
    After indexing is complete, you are offered the option to preview the materials.


    Figure 2.
    Select one of the following options:
    • Yes: Opens the material library viewer and allows you to review the added materials. You will have the option to save the materials.
    • No: Saves the materials to the library directly without previewing.
    • Cancel: Ignores indexing and will not add the materials to the library.