Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 3-20:
A simple scene is greatly enhanced by texturing.
Using Texture Channels
Up to this point, you have looked at textures as they pertain to controlling the surface color of models and
scenes. There is, however, much more to a compelling texture than the simple surface color. Textures can
be added to any aspect of the material. This means that any of the attributes defined in the Material Ref and
Material Trans properties can be controlled with texture layers. A list of available texture channels appears
in the Effect column of the Shader Tree (located on the right side of the Shader Tree, opposite the Name
column). By default, all textures are assigned to the Diffuse Color channel. Right-clicking on this setting
enables you to access the other available channels and assign the texture to one of them. The majority of
these attributes are found under the Basic Channels heading. In addition to these channels, there are head-
ings to control attributes of Fur, Surface Particles (Replicators), Surface Shading (Bump and Displacement
