Why is the compact material editor so slow loading materials?

[jibijib]

If you open the material editor for the first time, it takes about 10 - 20 seconds to propagate the slots. I think this started to do this in about version 2019, up to current 2023. Maybe the introduction of physical materials, but it's pretty rough trying to use it.

I only ever use standard materials, and it's the same using both.

[Diffus3d]

I notice this in materials that have lots of maps.  Out of curiosity, do you use the Customize->Custom UI and Defaults Switcher->Max.legacy option?  I noticed some improvements with that as my default.   Might want to back up your settings or UI Scheme before trying it if you do.

Best Regards,

[jibijib · Accepted solution]

I noticed different files have different update times, so I changed the renderer from Arnold to Scanline, the material editor updates straight away. I haven't rendered anything in Max for over 10 years so scanline has always been fine for me.