---
title: "Materials"
description: "The GPUOpen library, applying materials and custom .mtlx files."
canonical_url: "https://www.softellion.com/en/docs/spectrum/materials"
---

> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.softellion.com/llms.txt)

<section-md>

The **Materials** panel (right sidebar) hosts the material library and custom material files.

## Browsing the library

The library is loaded from the [AMD GPUOpen Material Library](https://matlib.gpuopen.com/main/materials/all), so it needs an internet connection.

- Use the **Search** field to filter materials by name; the field shows the current result count.
- Use the category dropdown to narrow the list to one material category.
- The list loads more materials automatically as you scroll down.
- If the library fails to load, the panel shows a network error with a **Retry** button; loading also resumes automatically when the connection comes back.

## Applying materials

![Video: an object is selected, a not-yet-downloaded material is clicked in the library, download progress runs, the material is applied and the viewport preview updates](https://www.softellion.com/video/docs/spectrum/apply-materials.webm)

- Select one or more objects in the viewport or the Outliner first.
- Click a material in the library to apply it to everything selected.
- Materials that are not on your machine yet are downloaded automatically when you apply them — the item shows download progress.
- Hover a material to download it without applying (the download button in the corner). Downloaded materials show a **Local** badge.

## Custom materials

The **Upload custom materials** button (top of the panel) opens a file dialog to add your own material files, such as `.mtlx`.

## Where to find materials

Besides the built-in AMD GPUOpen library, you can download materials and environments from open libraries:

- [AmbientCG](https://ambientcg.com) — thousands of CC0-licensed PBR materials, including ready-made MaterialX (`.mtlx`) files.
- [Poly Haven](https://polyhaven.com) — CC0 textures, materials and HDR panoramas; the panoramas are handy for image-based lighting (IBL).
- [Poliigon](https://www.poliigon.com) — a large library of photorealistic materials and textures (some materials require a subscription).

Load downloaded `.mtlx` files with the **Upload custom materials** button and HDR images with the **Load image for IBL** command in the viewport context menu.

</section-md>

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