Select Objects By Sub-Material

1 vote
Version: 
1.0
Date Updated: 
06/02/2026
Author Name: 
3DZver

Select Objects By Sub-Material (SOBSM) is a simple free script that allows you to quickly select all objects in your scene that use a selected sub-material from a Multi/Sub-Object material.

Unlike the native "Select Objects By Material" tool, which only selects objects by exact main (parent) material match, this script analyzes material IDs assigned to faces/polygons. This allows you to select objects by a specific sub-material, even when a Multi/Sub-Object material is assigned to the entire object and the desired sub-material is only used on a portion of its faces.

The script works with both material editors in 3ds Max - the Compact Material Editor (Medit) and the Slate Material Editor (SME). Select a sub-material in any editor, run the script, and all objects that use this sub-material (on faces with the corresponding ID) will be selected.           

Additional Info: 

Main features:

  • Works with both - Compact Material Editor and Slate Material Editor (SME).
  • Supports multiple sub-material selection in SME.
  • Detects material IDs on faces of any object type.
  • Selects individual objects inside groups without breaking group structure.
  • Supports direct sub-material assignment on objects (not only via Multi/Sub-Object material).
  • Ignores parent Multi/Sub-Object material selection.
  • No additional plugins required.

More detailed information about the all features and capabilities of the "Select Objects By Sub-Material" can be found here: https://maxtools.3dzver.com/product?id=3


PS:
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If you have any suggestions or comments related to the work of the plugin, use the support form at this webpage: https://maxtools.3dzver.com/mxtsupport

Version Requirement: 
3ds Max 2018-2027