[Bf-committers] Materials Library for Blender

[Bastien Montagne]

Are you aware of online_mat_lib addon (in addons_contrib currently) ?

On 15/06/2013 14:45, Brendon Murphy wrote:
> Hi,
> I would like to propose a materials library in Blender, initially this
> would be for Cycles but could be extended to include BI.
> To this end, I would ask the Blender developers if they want a materials
> library in Blender?&  how best to go about it?
>
> Currently:
> The materials library UI would be done in py.
> We can read write cycles materials including osl in xml format, similar to
> themes.
> We could then use the scripts addon directory for testing&  move to the
> presets folder if in Blender.
> It is also possible to use a file append system&  pack a .blend full of
> mats with fake user&  append by name. (not as nice imo)
> What would be the preferred method for the Blender development team to
> include a materials library in Blender Release?
>
> There may be some small work by Blender dev's, mainly api considerations
> which can easily be solved with mutual co-operation. File size can be kept
> down, the matlib would be 2 - 3 meg extra to Blender at most. Larger
> matlibs&  individual mats could be easily distributed between Blender end
> users as they are now with xml theme's&  .blend material libs.
> One of the best example so far is the online matlib in contrib. We know it
> needs some repairs&  are working towards this.
>
> The goal is to provide Blender with a system to load&  save materials&  to
> provide users with decent starting point with materials types from within
> Blender.
> What 'We' (Peter Cassetta, Myself, Blendswap&  any other interested coders,
> consultants, sponsors) can offer is a smallish material library in Blender,
> with load&  save settings&  the option to browse a larger lib online from a
> trusted source, be it b.org or blendswap or other.
>
> We are asking this 'Proposal' because to undertake this takes many
> manhours, some of which will be sponsored, If it's agreed on methods for
> Release status, Blender devs will only be asked to let the mat lib devs
> know before any major api changes so we can be prepared in advance to
> repair&  avoid 'Release' breakages well before they happen., or to do as
> ideasman does&  fix, where possible, the breakages caused by new api/c
> code. (which is wonderful&  much appreciated.)
> Let's get a materials Library in Blender for 2.70
> What do you think?
>
> Thanks :)
> Brendon Murphy (meta-androcto)
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