Question

Usually, three-dimensional objects have not just a solid color, but a certain texture - for example, a brick has a certain color with dark cracks, a tree has a specific pattern, and so on. How are textures added to objects during rendering?

Answer 1

Textures are added to 3D objects during rendering through the use of texture maps. A texture map is an image that is applied to a 3D object's surface, adding details such as color, patterns, and other variations.

There are several ways to create a texture map, such as:

Photographic Textures: This method involves taking photographs of real-world textures and then mapping them onto 3D objects in the rendering software.

Procedural Textures: This method involves using mathematical algorithms to generate textures, such as wood grain, marble, or clouds.

Hand-Painting Textures: This method involves creating textures by hand using software like Adobe Photoshop or Corel Painter.

Once the texture map is created, it is then "wrapped" around the 3D object in the rendering software by mapping the texture coordinates to the surface of the object. This process is known as UV mapping. This will allow to apply the texture on the object giving the impression of different textures on the surface of the object.

For example, this quote from "3D Game Textures: Create Professional Game Art Using Photoshop" by Luke Ahearn:

"A texture map is an image that is applied to the surface of a 3D model. Think of it as wallpaper for your 3D models."