The main document format in InstaMAT is the InstaMAT Package. Packages can contain multiple projects, such as Element Graphs, Material Layering, and Asset Texturing, as well as all associated resources for these projects.
Packages make it easy to track and share projects, ensuring all associated dependencies (decals, meshes, utility nodes, etc.) are included when transferring a project from one machine to another.
Note: While it is not possible to open multiple packages at once in InstaMAT, it is possible to open multiple projects at the same time. Additionally, projects and resources from other packages can be accessed by adding them into the User Library. This makes them appear in the MAT Library and Resource Picker panels.
¶ Example Package
Here is an example InstaMAT package:
- InstaMAT Package
- Scratched Metal Material (Element Graph Project)
- Rusted Metal (Material Layering Project)
- Sci-Fi Crate (Asset Texturing Project)
- Resources
- Decal Images
- Concrete_Crack_01.png
- Metal_Scratch_Decal.png
- Dirt_Splatter_Collection.png
- Rust_Edge_Pattern.png
- Meshes
- Sci-Fi Crate Small.fbx
- Sci-Fi Crate Large.fbx
- Communicator.fbx
- Decal Images
The InstaMAT Package contains all related projects and resources.
The Scratched Metal Material is an Element Graph project containing a procedural PBR material made with a node-based workflow.
The Rusted Metal Material Layering project combines the Scratched Metal material from the project with some of InstaMAT's built-in materials from the material library to create a more complex material.
The Sci-Fi Crate Asset Texturing project applies materials and textures to 3D models whether from the InstaMAT material library or the custom materials created in the package.
These projects can all share common resources stored within the package. For example, decal images like Metal_Scratch_Decal.png can be used both in the Element Graph for material authoring and as a decal for adding weathering details in the Asset Texturing project.
When saving in InstaMAT Studio, the package is saved along with all of the projects and resources inside of it.
¶ More Information on Packages, Projects, and Resources
For more information on managing packages, projects, and resources in InstaMAT, please read the following articles:
- Package Management: An overview of the
Package Managementpanel in InstaMAT Studio's UI. - Adding Projects and Resources to the User Library: Adding projects and resources to the User Library makes it possible to access them in other InstaMAT Studio projects and via InstaMAT's integrations. This article covers how to add resources to the User Library and where to locate them.
- How to Move Projects Between Packages: This article covers how to move projects from one package into another in InstaMAT Studio.
- Saving Files to Disk in InstaMAT Studio