Using the Mock Tile Shader

Strata 3D has several shaders, also known as procedural textures.

Shaders do not use image maps, but are controlled through parameters.

We shall learn how the Mock Tile shader works.

Let us begin by creating a new Mock Tile shader.

From the New… menu in the Resource palette, Texture tab, we select Mock Tile to create a new Mock Tile texture.

There are several familiar parameters in this shader. We will concentrate in those parameters particular to this shader.

Tile Width and Tile Height

Tile Width and Tile Height allow us to control the size and proportion of the tiles. Height and width are expressed in percentage. To define a size precisely, these parameters should be used together with the size of the mapping.

In all these examples the mapping is cubic, 1x1x1 in. Inches are being used as if they were meters in this scene.

Grout Width

Grout Width controls the grout width.

Roughness

Roughness controls how smooth the tile surface is.

Checkerboard

Checkerboard allows us to create checkered tilings. We define the other color in the Check color.

Glossy Grout

Glossy Grout enables us to choose whether the grout will receive the same surface parameters the tiles receive or if it will not be glossy at all.

Staggered

Staggered staggers the tiles, like bricks.

Brick Texture

Brick Texture adds a rough bump to the tiles. It is good for making bricks or celings.

Mapping

Depending on the surface, this shader is best applied using planar/decal or cubic mapping.

It is advisable to position the texture in a corner of the object, not in the middle when using checkerboard, to avoid reflected tiles in the middle of the object.

That is how the Mock Tile shader works. It is a very versatile shader. What are you using it for?