MDL Material Search Path#

MDL Search Paths

MDL defines a sequence of search paths, whose order shall be consistent for all MDL file compilations. Users can inspect and edit the search path through the Preference window. In the Material section, under Material Search Path standard application paths as well as User and System paths are displayed in order of weakest to strongest resolution.

  • Standard System Paths

  • Standard User Paths

  • Renderer Required

  • Renderer Templates

  • Local Paths

Default Paths#

Standard System Paths is configured by the MDL_SYSTEM_PATH environment variable. Standard User Paths is configured by the MDL_USER_PATH environment variable.

When specifying these paths through environment variables, multiple paths are separated by semicolons (on Windows) and colons (on Linux and Mac OS).

If the environment variable is not set, the following default is used for the User search path:

  • %DOCUMENTS%mdl (on Windows),

  • $HOME/Documents/mdl (on Linux)

  • $HOME/Documents/mdl (on Mac OS)

For the System search path:

  • %PROGRAMDATA%NVIDIA Corporationmdl (on Windows)

  • /opt/nvidia/mdl (on Linux)

  • /Library/Application Support/NVIDIA Corporation/mdl (on Mac OS)

Note

When modifying the environment variable on Windows, it is necessary that you log out and log back in for the environment variables to take affect.

Renderer Required#

Renderer Required paths are READ only, and are necessary for the operation of Create and Omniverse. They are presented in the Preference window for informational purposes. Required MDL materials are necessary for the basic operation of RTX and Iray Accurate rendererer, and include things like the default, debug and UsdPreviewSurface materials.

Renderer Template#

Renderer Required and Renderer Template paths are READ only, and are necessary for the operation of Create and Omniverse. They are presented in the Preference window for informational purposes. Template materials include all Omniverse core materials essential to the operation of the Omniverse Ecosystem. This includes the main OmniPBR, OmniGlass and OmniSurface materials; our core MDL libraries such as core and support definitions; and our UE and Vray materials for our Connectors.

Local Paths#

Additional local User paths can be specified by adding new paths through the dialog. Use the Add New Path button to add additional paths to the Search Path. Drag and Drop to re-order paths.

Saving the paths, writes the Search Path configuration to

  • $HOME/Documents/Kit/shared/material.config.toml

Note

Restarting Create is required when modifying search paths to see updates take effect.

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