Creating Image-based Shaders

Image-based shaders are created from image files imported into VectorWorks. Like wrapped shaders, an image-based shader is applied to the surface of an object. See Applying and Mapping Object Textures for more information. Different settings are then required depending on the type of shader to be used with the image.

Shader	Image Type
Color	Filtered Image Image Color
Reflectivity	Image Reflectivity
Transparency	Image Transparency Mask Transparency
Bump	Image Bump

Multiple image shaders can be combined to create a realistic texture. For example, import a brick image with mortar joins, and then add an image bump to the brick. In addition, image-based shaders can be combined with non image-based shader types for a variety of effects.

Most image-based textures are automatically compressed when imported into VectorWorks. Imported JPEG files retain the original JPEG data; all other image files are compressed using lossless PNG format.

The Artistic RenderWorks Color Wash style cannot be used with image-based textures.

Selecting the Image for Import

To import an image for use as an image-based shader:

1.	Create a graphics file to be imported as a shader. In a graphics program, save the image in a format that VectorWorks can import:

 

BMP	JPG	PCT	PNG	PNT
PSD	QTI	SGI	TIF	TGA

2.	Create a new texture as described in Creating a New Texture. From any of the four shader component lists, select one of the image shader types.

3.	If a resource with an image is already present in the file, the Choose Image dialog box opens.

 

Parameter	Description
Import an Image File	Imports a new image; click OK and proceed to Step 4.
Reuse an Image from Another Resource	Reuses a previously imported image; select the resource that contains the image. Click OK and proceed to Step 5.

4.	Select the desired image file in the Open (Windows) or Import QuickTime Image Document (Macintosh) dialog box. Click Open.

5.	The next dialog box that opens depends on the type of shader. Refer to the section that applies to the shader.

 

Shader	Section
Color	Importing Images for Color Shaders
Reflectivity	Importing Images for Reflectivity Shaders
Transparency	Importing Images for Transparency Shaders
Bump	Importing Images for Bump Shaders

Importing Images for Color Shaders

Color shaders can use images for image color and filtered image. The image color shader displays the image as-is. The filtered image shader allows an image to be tinted with a specified color.

Filtered Image Color Shader

The process of selecting a filtered image color shader is illustrated by the following flow chart.

To import a filtered image color shader:

1.	Select and import the image as described in Selecting the Image for Import.

The Filtered Image dialog box opens.

2.	Specify the image-based shader properties and click OK to import the image and preview the texture.

 

Parameter	Description
Image preview	Edits to the image are displayed in the image preview
Change Image	Selects a different image for import
Tile Image	Repeats the image in the horizontal, vertical, or horizontal and vertical directions; deselect for no tiling
Filter Color	Selects a color filter for the image; leave the default selection of Use Object Fill for no change or click the color box to choose a filter color for the image
Softness	Drag the slider to the right to increase image blurring when rendered in Final Quality or Custom RenderWorks (with anti-aliasing on)

Color Image Shader

The process of selecting a color image shader is illustrated by the following flow chart.

To import a color image shader:

1.	Select and import the image as described in Selecting the Image for Import.

The Image Color dialog box opens.

2.	Specify the image-based shader properties and click OK to import the image and preview the texture.

 

Parameter	Description
Image preview	Edits to the image are displayed in the image preview
Change Image	Selects a different image for import
Tile Image	Repeats the image in the horizontal, vertical, or horizontal and vertical directions; deselect for no tiling
Softness	Drag the slider to the right to increase image blurring when rendered in Final Quality or Custom RenderWorks (with anti-aliasing on)

Importing Images for Reflectivity Shaders

The process of selecting a reflectivity shader is illustrated by the following flow chart.

To import a reflectivity image-based shader:

1.	Select and import the image as described in Selecting the Image for Import.

The Image Reflectivity dialog box opens.

2.	Specify the image-based shader properties and click OK to import the image and preview the texture.

 

Parameter	Description
Image preview	Edits to the image are displayed in the image preview
Change Image	Selects a different image for import
Softness	Drag the slider to the right to increase image blurring when rendered in Final Quality or Custom RenderWorks (with anti-aliasing on)
Ambient	Drag the slider to the right to increase the effect of the ambient lighting on the texture brightness
Diffuse	Drag the slider to the right to increase the effect of directional light on the texture
Specular	Drag the slider to the right to increase the effect of directional highlights on the texture
Mirror	Drag the slider to the right to increase the number of reflections on the texture
Roughness	Drag the slider to the right to increase the width of highlights on the texture

Importing Images for Transparency Shaders

Transparency shaders can be created from images or image masks.

Image Transparency

The process of selecting an image transparency shader is illustrated by the following flow chart.

To import an image transparency shader:

1.	Select and import the image as described in Selecting the Image for Import.

The Image Transparency dialog box opens.

2.	Specify the image-based shader properties and click OK to import the image and preview the texture.

 

Parameter	Description
Image preview	Edits to the image are displayed in the image preview
Change Image	Selects a different image for import
Softness	Drag the slider to the right to increase image blurring when rendered in Final Quality or Custom RenderWorks (with anti-aliasing on)

Mask Transparency

The process of selecting a mask transparency shader is illustrated by the following flow chart.

To create a mask transparency image-based shader:

1.	Once the image has been selected and imported, specify the mask properties in the Create Mask dialog box.

 

Parameter	Description
Grayscale Pixels	Creates a mask from the image’s pixel brightness values; brighter pixels are more opaque
Transparent Color	Creates a mask with a selected transparent color and mask parameters
Alpha Channel	Uses the alpha channel of a source image as the mask (image must contain valid alpha channel information)

For Grayscale Pixel and Alpha Channel masks, click OK. Proceed to Step 3.

2.	If Transparent Color was selected, the Create Transparent Color Mask dialog box opens. Select the mask properties and click OK.

The source image must be more than eight-bit color to create a transparent color mask.

 

Parameter	Description
Source Image	Displays the imported image. Select the transparent color by clicking a color in the image; the resulting mask is displayed in the Transparent Color Mask preview. If necessary, use the mouse scroll wheel to zoom into and out of the image, or click and hold the mouse wheel button to pan.
Transparent Color	Displays the current transparent color. Instead of clicking on the source image to designate the transparent color, the color can be selected by clicking the color box.
Transparent Color Mask	Displays a preview of the mask based on the current transparent color selection and settings
Color Matching Tolerance	Adjusts the transparency tolerance; drag the slider to the right to increase the tolerance level. This allows a wider range of pixels similar to the transparent color to be considered transparent.
Mask Contrast	Adjusts the mask edge contrast; increase the contrast sharpness by dragging the slider to the right. Soften the contrast by dragging the slider to the left.

Images with a monochrome background are easiest to use when creating a mask transparency.

3.	The Edit Mask Transparency dialog box opens.

Parameter	Description
Softness	Drag the slider to the right to increase image blurring when rendered in Final Quality or Custom RenderWorks (with anti-aliasing on)
Transparent Color Mask	Selects the transparent color mask settings
Change Image	Selects a different image for import

4.	Specify the mask transparency parameters and click OK. The imported mask transparency is previewed in the Edit Texture dialog box.

Importing Images for Bump Shaders

The process of selecting a bump shader is illustrated by the following flow chart.

 

To import a bump image-based shader:

1.	Select and import the image as described in Selecting the Image for Import.

The Edit Image Bump dialog box opens.

2.	Specify the image-based shader properties and click OK to import the image and preview the texture.

 

Parameter	Description
Image preview	Edits to the image are displayed in the image preview
Change Image	Selects a different image for import
Softness	Drag the slider to the right to increase image blurring when rendered in Final Quality or Custom RenderWorks (with anti-aliasing on)
Amplitude	Enter a value to adjust the apparent bump height; a higher value creates a bumpier appearance (Range: 0 – 1)

When using the monochromatic textures provided with VectorWorks, the Softness and Amplitude parameters may require careful adjustment depending on the viewing distance from the model.