Can you share one material across multiple files?

[Jpjapers]

I have a model library at work and there are hundreds of models using the same material.
When they were set up ages ago it was set up where each model had a multi/sub object material in each file for each model.
This makes it a hassle for renders because i have to go through and assign corona materials in place of the standard materials as none of them are instanced.

Is there a way to have one central material that if i change, would be reflected across every model that used it?
Is this how material libraries work?? Do the materials in the library retain their connection to their mat file once theyre in the scene?

Thanks

[nauticus25]

XRef Materials might do what you need.  I don't have any experience with them, though.

Another option is to convert all of your materials in one file to Corona materials (sounds like you've done this already).  Then, save those out to a new material library.  In Slate Material Editor, look under the Material/Map Browser, choose New Material Library..., then select your materials, right click on your new material library name and choose Get Selected Materials/Maps.  Right click the library name again, go down to the material library file name and choose Save.  Now open a scene that you want to update the materials to Corona materials.  Your material library should still be in Slate Material Editor.  Right click the material library name and choose Update Scene Materials from Library.  That will update the scene's materials with ones from your library that have the same name.

I do this all the time with Civil View vehicles.

[Jpjapers]

XRef Materials might do what you need.  I don't have any experience with them, though.

Another option is to convert all of your materials in one file to Corona materials (sounds like you've done this already).  Then, save those out to a new material library.  In Slate Material Editor, look under the Material/Map Browser, choose New Material Library..., then select your materials, right click on your new material library name and choose Get Selected Materials/Maps.  Right click the library name again, go down to the material library file name and choose Save.  Now open a scene that you want to update the materials to Corona materials.  Your material library should still be in Slate Material Editor.  Right click the material library name and choose Update Scene Materials from Library.  That will update the scene's materials with ones from your library that have the same name.

I do this all the time with Civil View vehicles.

Wow i didnt even know that was a thing with materials
Thats perfect! Thanks!

Does anyone have any experience with them and how would i go about replacing them with a different material library of materials for say standard > corona ? Does it work the same as usual?