Assign materials to surfaces

For more information about Maya materials, see Surface, displacement, volumetric materials .

The following lists a few quick ways to assign (connect) a material to a surface.

In the scene view, you can be in either wireframe or shaded mode to make the connection. If you are in wireframe mode, make sure the cursor touches the surface when you release the mouse button, otherwise the connection may not be made.

Assign a material to surfaces

You have several options to assign a material to a surface or surfaces.

To assign a material to a surface or surfaces (option 1)

the object(s), then click Assign Existing Material. Choose among the existing materials in your scene.
Note
Alternatively, you can also:
- the object and select Assign New Material. The Assign New Material window appears. Choose from the available materials.
- the object and select Assign Favorite Material.
  Choose among the materials from your Favorites list.

To assign a material to a surface or surfaces (option 2)

In the view, select the surface(s) to which you want to assign the material.
From the Hypershade, middle-drag the material swatch over the selected surface(s).

To assign a material to a surface or surfaces (option 3)

In the view, Shift-select the object to which you want to assign the material, and in the Hypershade, click the material swatch.
While the cursor is over the material swatch in the Hypershade, right-click-drag to select Assign Material to Selection from the pop-up menu.

To assign a material to a surface or surfaces (option 4)

Middle-drag and drop a Hypershade swatch onto an object in the IPR Render View.

To assign a material to several surfaces

Select the surfaces in a view.
In the Hypershade, over the material swatch and select Assign Material To Selection from the pop-up menu. Maya applies the material to the surfaces.

Assign a material to a group of faces on a polygonal surface

You have several options to assign a material to a group of faces.

To assign a material to a group of faces on a polygonal surface (option 1)

Right-mouse button click the surface.
Select Face from the marking menu.
Choose Select by component type icon (or press the hotkey F11).

To assign a material to a group of faces on a polygonal surface

Select (either drag or Shift-click) the faces you want to map.
In Hypershade, -click the material you want to assign, then select Assign Material To Selection from the pop-up menu.
Maya applies the material to the faces.