BOA Asset Browser
Version:
0.1.0
Date Updated:
06/08/2026 HCG Asset Browser is now BOA Asset Browser
Rewritten in Qt to work with current versions of 3ds Max -> Still free.
Additional Info:
This page is kept for history. HCG Asset Browser has been rebuilt and renamed BOA Asset Browser — the current download, install steps, and full feature list live here:
assets.boxofapps.com/tools/boa-asset-browser →
What it does:
- Browse and generate thumbnails for your models, materials and textures.
- Add assets to the scene in a few clicks.
- Paint geometry with a model from your library.
- Apply materials with automatic UVW mapping.
- Replace scene models with another of your choice.
Version Requirement:
3ds Max 2025
Comments
bug
When queue render thumbnails - the parameter override gamma output is ignored, but render single thumbnail - is ok.
bug
new Bug: When I have max-file with extension upper case (*.MAX) and JPG-preview, then the Asset Browser PRO not sees JPG-preview. When I rename extension with lower case (*.max) in this case is everything okay.
Yes
Yes. Use Model Camera - not work.
toriacht: For temporary solution - reduce the intensity of sunlight in custommodelscene.max
...wishlist:
Can you make deleting model from ItemPanel to Recycle Bin?
also there is a bug, if
also there is a bug, if render material thumbnails one by one gets you a different result than when you queue all the thumbnails, as render queue ignore the 2.2 gamma
I have a default scene set up
I have a default scene set up with vray sun and dome light with a vray sky in it.This is our typical exterior lighting setup.
I want to use this lighting to render thumbnails.
My model library is setup without cameras (and I dont want to go into every file and make a vray cam)
So I select use scene lights and ignore the use model camera button in thumbnail preferences.
It renders a thumbnail that uses the scenes vray sun sky setup but it does so with a standard max camera and every thumbnail is blown out white.
I need to be able to say use scenes light and also use scenes camera
Hello Chico Hermida! A new bug is found.
Hello Chico Hermida!
> SIL: "When adding material to VRayPlane I get this message:"
> i didn't get this error here, do you have any other detail about this bug?
Probobly it was my fault with some hotfix for 3dsmax. All ok in version 1.2.4
New BUG:
When checked on option "Compress on Save" in 3dsmax's Preferences:
and try to make Render Thumbnail - I get following message error:
-- Error occurred in renderthumbnail(); filename: C:\Program Files\Autodesk\3ds Max 2010\scripts\HCGAB\hcgabPRO.mse; position: 86083; line: 358
-- Defined in encrypted script
-- called in renderModelThumbnail(); filename: C:\Program Files\Autodesk\3ds Max 2010\scripts\HCGAB\hcgabPRO.mse; position: 43597; line: 188
-- Defined in encrypted script
-- called in fn_fv_CustomContextMenuItemSelect(); filename: C:\Program Files\Autodesk\3ds Max 2010\scripts\HCGAB\hcgabPRO.mse; position: 223547; line: 889
-- Defined in encrypted script
>> MAXScript dotNet event handler Exception: -- Unknown system exception <<
If I try to make Render Thumbnail again...:
Or errors about Garbage Collection...
Finaly - 3dsmax needs to restart (sometimes only from Task Manager) to resume normal operation!
Question:
What does option "Render Filter List"? It is works?
Wishes update :)
Add saving to INI-file greater number preferences of UI, such as "Custom Pivot", "Use Surface", "Size of Treeview and Listview" etc.
Must have for ArchViz! Thank
Must have for ArchViz!
Thank you so much!
Will try this script. Does
Will try this script.
Does this work with pointcache xml files? I have hundreds of mesh with pointcache modifier and need to relink then collect all files.
BUG/Error
I've a directory with 512 file (256 thumb and 256 max file) when I try to see the HCG Asset Browser Thumbnail
-- Runtime error: dotNet runtime exception: Out of memory.
SIL: "When adding material to
SIL: "When adding material to VRayPlane I get this message:"
i didn't get this error here, do you have any other detail about this bug?
Thanks for the suggestions, all are being worked :)! (some will be included in a later version since they require a new interface)
cecofuli: "BUG 1 and 2"
Humm thanks for this i will have a look on both.
"thumb.db"
Actually i was researching the best way to work with thumbnails, anyway it will only be included in the new interface that I'm developing.
"Paint multiple models"
This feature is almost developed, couldn't include in the previous update, but I think it will be available in the next one. (Probably i will release a beta first, to test it.)
Thanks for you time to send these suggestions.
www.boxofapps.com