ambientCG vs ShareTextures

ambientCG is a free library of downloadable assets for 3D art, architectural visualization, game development, VFX, and related work. Its collection includes PBR materials, HDRIs, Substance graphs, atlases, decals, photo textures, models, and terrain; the homepage lists 2,895 assets. Downloads are available in JPG and PNG. The assets use the Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal license, permitting copying, changes, distribution, and commercial use without permission, and attribution is not required. You can browse and download on the website or use the API to search and download assets with code; its documentation lists v1, v2, and v3 endpoints. The creator cautions that the API may not be stable or reliable enough for enterprise applications. Documentation also covers use with Blender's Asset Browser. Patreon supporters may receive early access and easier batch downloads, and the homepage mentions ad-free browsing. Access to downloadable assets is free at free.

ShareTextures is a web library of free textures, 3D models, atlases, and other digital assets. Its About page lists more than 1,600 textures, 250 3D models, and 50 atlases. Visitors can download selected assets without registration or payment, at resolutions up to 4K. The Free asset library costs nothing, and listed formats include BLEND and FBX. ShareTextures describes downloads as CC0, while its license page specifies a custom CC0 license: personal and commercial use is allowed without attribution, but redistribution on other websites and embedding downloads in third-party apps require written permission. A Blender add-on supports browsing, previews, drag-and-drop placement, 1K–4K resolution choices, automatic shader nodes, catalogs, and tags. Access is offered through Patreon or a one-time purchase, with lifetime access and free updates for the one-time option. An Unreal Engine plugin creates physically based materials with one-click import and automatic material graph setup, with 1K, 2K, and 4K options through the Epic Games/FAB Marketplace.