diff --git a/src/Mod/Material/MaterialEditor.py b/src/Mod/Material/MaterialEditor.py
index 019104bcde..77c5c1d317 100644
--- a/src/Mod/Material/MaterialEditor.py
+++ b/src/Mod/Material/MaterialEditor.py
@@ -414,6 +414,8 @@ class MaterialEditor:
         "returns a dictionary from the contents of the editor."
 
         model = self.widget.treeView.model()
+        if model is None:
+            return {}
         root = model.invisibleRootItem()
 
         d = {}