So when I start to sketch a new project I don't have to figure out everything from scratch when I open this 'default' scene. Also imported all the good materials from the physical material/presets/finishes drop down menu.

I downloaded that material library from and I imported the relevant materials in to the compact editor. That is why I created a default scene with all the materials and physical sky lights (that are not completely black or white) that I open when I start Max. It is frustrating to watch couple of 15 minute tutorial videos just to do one task that was quite simple before. Hours can go just to make one material or fix the lights. A lot of it has to do with the fact that weeks might go without using Max and then I have to figure it out again. Max is the one that takes most of the time just to figure out how it works. Thing is I can't use only Max and there are 6-7 other software that I have to use a lot depending on the project.

I just wonder how can someone new start to use Max without materials and no explanations where to find them. So what should I do? Start building materials from scratch from grey materials? Or is there something else to do? Materials were possible 30 years ago so it should be possible now.

(There is no material library to found in compact mode.) The dialog opens up materiallibraries folder (which includes files on the right, including MAXtoA downloaded in previous step. Weirdly it is only possible from a really small arrow in slate mode. It would have been nice to mention here where to put it and what to do with it.) So I download this and put it in to materiallibraries folder.

It would be nice to see some different materials and how they are done but apparently it was possible already in the 90's but not anymore. The settings are for Arnold but all the base materials are missing. Are you sure that the material library system is now absolutely as difficult to use as it can possibly be? I mean how can someone start using Max when creating Arnold materials is pretty difficult and all the materials are grey? After updating to Max 2022 it is really puzzling to try to use it.

Vray next material library