How to install the Autodesk Medium Resolution Materials Image Library

Autodesk Support

Mar 27, 2025

Products and versions covered

Issue:

How to download and install the Autodesk Material Library Medium Resolution Image Library for use with Autodesk software.

Solution:

The installation files for the medium resolution image library are included with the Autodesk product suites but do not come on individual product media or downloads.

Specifically, within AutoCAD, the RENDER command will prompt to download and install the medium resolution image library if it is not installed. After confirming to do so, enter the command DOWNLOADMANAGER to watch the download progress. Once installed, the medium library is automatically the default used in the program.

Here are the direct download links for the Autodesk Medium Resolution Materials Image Library:

Specifically for AutoCAD, the download link is stored in the Windows registry. If this registry key is wrong or damaged, the image library will not download. The registry key is MLibDownloadPath and is found here:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Autodesk\AutoCAD\Rxx.x\ACAD-x00x:409

Correlate the above to the specific version of AutoCAD. This can be seen by selecting the ACAD-x00x:409 key and looking at the right-pane of the Registry Editor to see the AcadLocation key. The 409 number is for the installed language, so it can vary. Double check the MLibDownloadPath key to make sure it contains the correct link (in the link list above) for the version of AutoCAD.

To open the Windows Registry Editor:

  1. Press WINDOWS-R on the keyboard to bring up the Run window, enter REGEDIT and click OK.
  2. Navigate to and select the folder shown above.


Warning!
Problems caused by improperly editing the Windows registry could render your computer operating system unusable. Microsoft provides a wealth of critical information that you need to know about the registry in the Microsoft Knowledge Base. Use the Microsoft Registry Editor only at your own risk and only after backing up the registry as outlined for your operating system in the Microsoft article How to back up and restore the registry in Windows and in the related solution How to backup the system registry. Additional information about the registry is also contained in the Help topics in the Microsoft Registry Editor.

Products:

AutoCAD Products;

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