Material Library binding

[Tommy L]

Hello folks,

 

I hope someone can help me. I am working with my colleagues on a large residential scheme. Different phases are being worked on by different colleagues, the models then x-ref'd into a central model. My question is:

 

Is there any way to force the materials in each xref'd file to recognise an update in a material library, were we to only use materials from one library. As if the materials were instanced out of the library.

?

I hope that makes sense.

 

Help much appreciated.

Tom.

 

Oh, and we are working in max 8.

[Tommy L]

Anyone? could really do with some help......even if someone knows i can't do it..

 

Tom.

[BrianKitts]

if you all work with the exact same materials names and keep all your materials in the same library ( i know its a lot to manage)

 

then all you would have to do is open the most current version of your materials library and hit the update from scene button in your main file.

 

shot in the dark here with xrefs.... I do it all the time to manage scenes in different files, but I haven't checked it with xrefs.....

[ajvbochove]

Work with material ID's and keep 1 simple Multi-Sub material.

That shall do the trick.

[theqball]

what version of Max?

 

in max 8 there is a new xref material that is exactly what you need.

[Tommy L]

Thanks guys,

x-ref material sounds like the way forward, Im surprised it wasnt in the 'new features' stuff.

I reckon id be unemployed without this forum.