New type of materials - linked materials.
Why: to have a library of materials that can be linked to models and always have the same materials in these models.
Example of implementation: There is a library file (Materials library.skp) there are any other models A.skp, B.skp, C.skp and so on. In these A, B and C models there is a new type of materials “Linked materials” - which change in all models if they are changed in any one of them or in the Material Library.skp library file. This new type of materials should be in a separate section. Synchronization of changes should be selective, through the appropriate manager.
Modern workflows always contain standardization of elements and rationalization of actions. Linked libraries are a must.
Components are still quite convenient to use in the Save Out and Reload logic, but this is not yet available in materials.
We currently use the ability to unload materials, but they can only be replaced in all models where they are used manually, and only with the very old Global Material Changer extension.
A good idea.
I have a slightly differnet suggstion n how to implement it.
I don’t think a new type of material is required.
Instead, the Materials Browser could give the option to Re-load materials (SKMs). This actio would work in a similar way to how we re-load SKP Components via the Component Browser.
Additionally, the Material Browser should allow us to selecting multiple materials, or, the entire “in model” set, and enable a “Re-load all” function. (This would allow a model to be opened and then all materials re-freshed from a central library).
Sidenote - I think that the Component and Material browsers are BOTH very simplistic for professional workflows… Any improvements would be welcome.
Yes, these are great additions to the idea. It is also important that Sketchup automatically notifies if there are changes in the material library and in which ones. And the ability to select several materials and apply operations to them at once is something that is sorely lacking!