Transporting VRay materials with bitmaps question (relative path problem)

[Pixelsonic]

Hi, I´m not sure if this is at all possible, but I´m wondering if there is a way to save
vray materials (.mat files) and the contained bitmaps in different folders with relative paths,
so that the complete folder including both (mat and bitmap) can be loaded on a different machine without
re-assigning the bitmaps.

Here is an example:

Start configuration:

c:\My VRay Material Library\
c:\My VRay Material Library\bitmaps\wood\bitmap_1.jpg
c:\My VRay Material Library\Materials\my_wood_material.mat

Moved configuration:

other computer:\3Ds Max Materials\My VRay Material Library\
other computer:\3Ds Max Materials\My VRay Material Library\bitmaps\wood\bitmap_1.jpg
other computer:\3Ds Max Materials\My VRay Material Library\Materials\my_wood_material.mat

So I simply would like to create a material library, that I can give to others without
them needing to reassign bitmaps.

I know that copying all maps into an asset folder and setting this in the preferences would
work. Also I know that putting the bitmaps next to .mat file will work. But both scenarios
are no solution for what we need.

Any help is appreciated. And although I guess this is a 3Ds max issue, not a VRay issue
directly, I hope that finding an answer here is easier.

Best,
Martin

[MoonDoggie]

Reassigning maps is the only way I know to do it. I have a script that might make it easier. The only way to get the functionality you're looking for honestly, you'd have to probably script it anyway.

Download it from here: watch the video if you like.

http://www.colinsenner.com/scripts/relink-bitmaps

[Pixelsonic]

Hey Colin,

thanks for the tip and I´ll definitely take a look at your script!

Anyway, I´m surprised that its not possible to create these inner-folder relative paths at all.
I´ve worked in a software company for audio plugins dealing with hundred thousands of audiosamples
for virtual instruments. The problem was similar and we solved it by using these relative paths.

Is it really possible that Autodesk oversaw this issue ? It seems to be like stoneage when dealing with
bitmaps and materials.

Any more ideas ?

Thanks,
Martin

[MoonDoggie]

NAS paths and relative paths are supported, but are a bit tough to deal with en masse. Check out Max's Photometric Paths editor as well as Asset tracker, to find the functionality you need. (but then download my script and do it the easier way )

-Colin

[Pixelsonic]

Hi Colin,

thanks, but I´ve tried every possible scenario with the asset tracker, unc, relative paths etc. but no solution really works.
When saving mat files, relative paths seem to be written differently in the file depending on where you save the file. So
there is no real way of controlling these paths by hand. At least I haven´t found a solution.

I haven´t tried the photometric path editor, but it does not seem to offer more than the asset tracker in terms of
file path editing.

Or I am still not understanding something.

[MoonDoggie]

In my next release of Relink Bitmaps, I'll include support for .mat file relinking as well. Probably will get around to releasing it in a week or so. My coworker requested this as well.

The photometric bitmap editor will allow you to strip file paths, etc. Might give that a go.