> [!abstract] Summary > Arnold shaders can be exported to `.ass` files and re-imported into other scenes or Houdini networks. Useful for sharing lookdev between assets or transferring a shader graph without re-building it. --- # Export a Material The `.ass` (Arnold Scene Source) format can store full shader networks including textures and parameters. **In Houdini:** 1. Open the shader network containing the material. 2. Right-click on the shader network node → **Export Material** 3. Save the `.ass` file to a shared/project location. > [!tip] Export the material to your project's shared lookdev folder so other artists or scenes can import it directly. --- # Import a Material **In Houdini:** 1. Select the node you want to replace, or the network you want to import into. 2. Right-click → **Shaders** → **Import Arnold Shaders** 3. Navigate to your `.ass` file and confirm. > [!note] You can target either: > - A **specific node** to replace it with the imported shader > - The **entire network** to add the imported graph alongside existing nodes --- # Notes - The `.ass` format preserves the full node graph including connections and parameter values. - Texture paths inside the `.ass` are stored as-is — make sure paths are network-relative or that the receiving machine has access to the same texture locations. - For transferring materials between DCCs (e.g. Maya ↔ Houdini), `.ass` is the most reliable format for Arnold shaders.