What are material samples?

Material samples are specimens of a product — fabric swatches, wood, stone, tile, or laminate pieces — that designers use to evaluate color, texture, and quality before specifying it in a project. Formiq provides photorealistic 3D versions of real products, so you can review materials instantly instead of waiting for physical swatches to ship.

Virtual vs. physical material samples — when do you need each?

Virtual samples are best for exploring, comparing, and shortlisting: you can inspect texture and color in photorealistic 3D within minutes instead of waiting days for a courier. Physical samples still matter for final sign-off on touch and exact color under site lighting — so designers shortlist virtually, then order only the finalists.

What is a Formiq virtual material sample?

A virtual material sample is a high-fidelity "digital twin" of a real-world product. Unlike standard flat images, our samples are 3D-scanned to include PBR (Physically Based Rendering) data—capturing accurate texture, relief, reflectivity, and color depth.

Can I build my own digital material library?

Absolutely. Formiq acts as your studio's cloud-based sample room. You can save virtual samples to specific project folders, organize your favorite assets, and build a centralized digital material library accessible by your entire team.

How accurate are the colors and textures?

Our samples are generated using advanced 3D automation and scanning technology to ensure true-to-life accuracy. We capture the exact weave, grain, and finish of the physical product to minimize the gap between your digital design and the final build.

Can I request physical samples from the virtual library?

Absolutely. Formiq connects the digital to the physical. Once you have selected a product in our library, you can request physical samples directly from the brand or local distributor with a single click.

How does virtual sourcing support sustainability?

Virtual sourcing reduces the carbon footprint and waste associated with shipping physical samples. By validating materials digitally first, you only request the physical samples you are serious about, making your design process more eco-friendly.

I have a custom fabric. Can I turn it into a 3D sample?

Yes. You can use our customization tools to upload your own texture scans or images. Apply them to our 3D furniture and object templates to visualize your custom materials in a photorealistic environment.

Is the material library free to access?

Yes, browsing our comprehensive catalog of digital materials and using them in your Formiq projects is completely free. Start sourcing and specifying without upfront costs.

Virtual Material Samples

Source Photorealistic Virtual Material Samples

Source with confidence using 3D-scanned digital twins of real-world products. Inspect materials in true-to-life detail to streamline your interior design sourcing.

Photorealistic virtual material samples for interior design sourcing and visualization

Never limit your design
Thousands of materials instantly accessible

True-to-Life Textures

See exactly what you are specifying. Zoom in to examine the weave, grain, and finish of our materials, just as if you were holding the physical sample.

High-resolution PBR texture preview showing intricate material details

Source Materials Faster

Stop searching through endless catalogs. Browse our library to find the exact look you need, compare specs side-by-side, and make decisions without the guesswork.

Fast prototyping with digital material samples for efficient interior design

Direct Supplier and Brand Connection

Instantly connect with brands or local distributors suppliers to request physical samples and quotes with just one click.

Seamless workflow connecting designers to material brands for sample requests

Sustainable Material Sourcing

Commit to a sustainable future. We highlight eco-friendly products and certifications to help designers source responsibly.

Eco-friendly material sourcing filter for sustainable interior design projects

Virtual vs. Physical Material Samples

Both have a place in a specification workflow — the difference is when you reach for each. Designers shortlist material samples virtually, then order only the finalists.

Shortlist with virtual samples

Browse thousands of material samples in minutes, inspect the weave, grain, and finish in photorealistic 3D, and compare options side by side — no courier, no waiting, no sample waste.

Confirm with physical samples

When a material makes the final cut, request the physical sample from the brand or local distributor in one click, and sign off on touch and color under real site lighting.