Visualization Guide
Visualization Guide
Visualization Guide

Gradient maps

Along with pattern/bump maps and procedural textures, you can apply a gradient as a material map. Two types of gradients are available — linear and radial, which are applied as follows:

Linear gradients may be rotated, while the angle setting has no effect on radial gradients.

Examples of linear (left) and radial (right) gradients.

  

When creating a gradient as a map, you can specify up to 50 different color keys. Colors can be edited, and the color keys can be repositioned as required.

When you want to use a gradient as a repeating map, with a smooth transition, you should set the first and last colors to be identical.
To select a gradient as a map
  1. In the Material Editor, click the Pattern Map or Bump Map icon as required.
    If a map already is assigned, then the Map Editor opens, otherwise the Open Image File dialog box opens.

  2. If necessary, click the Cancel button to close the Open Image File dialog box.

  3. In the Map Editor dialog box, use the option menu on the left to set map type to Gradient.

  4. Use the option menu on the right to select Linear or Radial.

To add color keys to a gradient
  1. If necessary, in the Map Editor dialog box, expand the section displaying the image type (Gradient) and gradient type, to reveal the gradient color bar.

  2. Enter a data point on the color bar at the desired position for the key.
    The key is added. Initially, the color is set to the interpolated value of the gradient at that point.

  3. Repeat the above step for further color keys, as required.

To re-position a color key on a gradient
  1. Click on the vertical bar for the desired color key, and drag it to its new location.
    You cannot drag a key past another key, but they can be abutted to cause a sharp edge between the adjacent colors.

    The first and last keys of the gradient cannot be moved, but if you try to drag them a copy is made of the key. If you drag another key all the way to either end of the gradient color bar, then that key will replace the end key.


To change the color of a color key
  1. Click on the color (lower) button for the color key.
    The Gradient Color Chooser dialog box opens.

  2. Use the controls in the dialog box to define the required color.

  3. Click OK.
    The dialog box closes and the gradient is redisplayed with the new color included.

To delete a color key(s) of a gradient
  1. Click on the vertical bar, or the top button, for the required key.
    The button at the top of the color key highlights.

  2. (Optional) Use <Ctrl> data points to select additional keys to delete.

  3. Press the <Delete> key.
    or
    Right-click to open a menu and select Delete.

    The first and last keys cannot be deleted. If, however, you drag another key all the way to either end of the gradient color bar, then that key will replace the end key.