Why you should use .sbsar files
…and how

Usually, when assembling a PBR shader, you’ll be expected to input at least four basic maps: Albedo, Normal, Roughness and Height.
These maps are the basic building blocks for most materials (with a few notable exceptions), and we’re supposed to use them in combination to achieve the results displayed in our preview images.

For the most part, downloading the corresponding Flat Maps available in the website would do the trick, but what if I told you there’s actually an easier (and more cost efficient way) of using our content?

Discover the world of compiled materials:

A .sbsar file is essentially a compiled .sbs file, which are the source files used by our team of artists to create the PBR materials we love.

What are the advantages, then?

These files can generate an infinite amount of variations, by adjusting our built-in sliders such as Color, Age, Roughness and Size.
On top of that, there’s also the Randomize button, which will give you a slightly different version of the material each time, plus you can also export the generated flat maps up to 8K in any of the most common image file formats.

So what’s the big deal?

These files cost the same amount of credits as a set of four maps at 4k, and carry all the needed maps to assemble the final material.
But with one .sbsar file you’ll be able to export endless variations in different colors, aging and sizes, instead of being locked to a single output. And the best part is, you can load these files to export the final maps without any extra costs, by using an 100% free software called Substance Player*, by Adobe.

How to use it:

1.

Pick your .sbsar file of your choice at Textures.com

2.

Download and install Substance Player*, by Adobe.
(Free Download)

3.

Load your file inside Substance Player*, by pressing Open.

4.

Set the resolution to 4096 x 4096, for optimal results.

5.

Edit the parameters (if needed) as desired.

(Make sure to select the right Normal Format for your render engine of choice)

6.

Once you’re happy with the results, export the final material by clicking on “Export as Bitmap“.

7.

Select your output destination, format of choice for the bitmaps, and hit Export to render the files to its specified location.

And it’s done!
Be free to head over Textures.com & explore our PBR library, have fun!

Some 3D apps also have native SBSBAR support: you can open the compiled material directly inside the 3D app. Unfortunately most of these plugins are rather outdated. This can lead to errors opening the SBSAR file, or the material looking different from how it should look.

For more information about how to setup PBR Materials in your 3D app, we have the following guides:

• HOW-TO: USE PBR MATERIALS IN VRAY NEXT FOR 3D MAX

• HOW-TO: USE PBR MATERIALS IN ARNOLD FOR 3D MAX

• HOW-TO: USE PBR MATERIALS IN CINEMA 4D

• HOW-TO: USE PBR MATERIALS IN BLENDER CYCLES

• HOW-TO: USE MATERIALS IN LUMION

*Substance Player is a third-party app and property of Adobe.