A 3D modeling workspace displaying a gray sports car model on the left and texture options in a panel on the right. Various texture samples and materials are visible for editing.

Blender: 3ds Max-Inspired Material Editor Now Available

Blender users can now streamline their workflow with a new 3ds Max-inspired Material Editor, offering features like node-based material creation and one-click shader access.

For those who have ever felt like a juggler managing countless material slots and menus in Blender, relief is here. Raul Fernandez Arencibia, an artist who transitioned from 3ds Max to Blender, has developed a Material Editor that brings the familiar efficiency of 3ds Max to the Blender community.

Streamlined Material Management

Gone are the days of sifting through endless lists to find that one elusive texture. This Material Editor consolidates all material management into a single, customizable panel. Users can create new materials using nodes, refresh material and texture previews, and toggle the viewport between standard material shading and texture shading with ease.

Powerful Features at Your Fingertips

The tool boasts a robust search and filter function, allowing artists to isolate or hide selected materials effortlessly. Managing unused materials and textures becomes a breeze, and assigning materials to objects is now a one-click operation. For those who frequently dive into shader adjustments, the editor offers dedicated texture operations and a one-click shortcut to open the shader editor window.

A Familiar Friend for 3ds Max Users

Arencibia, having felt the pangs of missing 3ds Max’s Material Editor, designed this tool to bridge the gap for artists transitioning to Blender. By integrating these features, the Material Editor not only enhances Blender’s functionality but also provides a comforting familiarity for those accustomed to 3ds Max’s workflow.

Availability

Artists looking to enhance their Blender experience can learn more and purchase the Material Editor here. For a Single License, it is 10 US-Dollars, and 100 Dollars for a Studio license.