The Asset Browser can locate locally or network-stored materials, textures, geometry, and other 3D assets that can be easily dragged and dropped into the 3ds Max workspace. The Browser can also access the Internet to do the same.

The Asset Browser provides embedded Web browser functionality, so you can go directly to the Internet to capture 2D and 3D content for use in 3ds Max. For example, a visit to any of several manufacturers' sites, such as www.formica.com, can yield flooring, countertop, or other samples in bitmap form. Provided a site encourages such use of its content (and most do), these thumbnails can be dragged into 3ds Max with a single mouse movement and dropped onto objects in a scene for instantaneous "what if" visualizations of different textures and treatments. They can also be saved for later use.

2D and 3D geometry can also be captured off the Internet and put to immediate use in 3ds Max scenes. You can also use the Asset Browser with topographical maps, detailed aerial and satellite photos, and any design data in MAX or STL form. In this way, you are assured instant access to the latest design content, free from leading vendors around the world, without leaving your desktop.