How to set texture maps for game character 3D models

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When it comes to the style of 3D models of game characters, there are a few different styles:

Realistic Style: This style strives for a high degree of realism and detail, striving to make the characters look similar to those in the real world.

Cartoon style: Cartoon style is usually more exaggerated and simplified, with more prominent features and more vibrant colors, giving a light-hearted feel.

Pixel Style: Pixel style is the presentation of a character as a pixelated image, similar to the style used in early 8-bit or 16-bit games, with a sense of nostalgia.

Hand-drawn style: The hand-drawn style character model looks like it was drawn by hand, with softer lines that give it a sense of artistry and uniqueness.

Fantasy style: The fantasy style emphasizes surreal or otherworldly features and may include a variety of bizarre forms, colors, and special effects.

Each style has its own characteristics and is loved by those who love it.

In this article, we'll show you how to use the GLTF Editor - NSDT online material editing tool to map a 3D model of a game character, but before we get started, let's take a look at some of the basic concepts of texture mapping.

Click here to go to the GLTF editor -NSDT

1. What is a model texture map?

1: 3D model without textures 2: Identical model with textures

A texture map is an image that is applied (mapped) to a shape or polygonal surface. This can be a bitmap image or a procedural texture. They can be stored in common image file formats, referenced by 3D model formats or material definitions, and assembled into resource packs.

They may have 1-3 dimensions, although 2 dimensions are most common for visible surfaces. For use with modern hardware, texture map data can be stored in rotation or tiled order to improve cache coherence. Rendering APIs typically manage texture mapping assets (which may be in device memory) as buffers or surfaces, and may allow "render to texture" for other effects, such as post-processing or environment mapping.

They typically contain RGB color data (stored as direct colors, compressed formats, or indexed colors) and sometimes additional channels for alpha blending (RGBA), especially for billboards and decal overlay textures. You can use the alpha channel (which can be convenient to store in a hardware-resolved format) for other purposes, such as specularity.

Multiple texture maps (or channels) can be combined to control specular reflection, normals, displacement, or subsurface scattering, such as for skin rendering.

Multiple texture images can be combined in a texture atlas or array texture to reduce state changes on modern hardware. (They can be thought of as a modern evolution of tile map graphics). Modern hardware often supports cubemap textures with multiple faces for environment mapping.

2. The role of texture mapping

Texture maps play a vital role in creating visually stunning and realistic 3D models. There are several types of texture maps used in 3D modeling, each with its own unique purpose. For example, a diffuse map is used to define the surface color of a 3D model, while a specular map defines the glossiness and reflectivity of a surface. Normal maps are used to add depth and structure to the surface of the model, while displacement maps are used to modify the surface geometry itself. The importance of using these different types of texture maps lies in their ability to work together to create a more immersive and engaging experience for the viewer. By using these textures, 3D artists can create intricate details that make the model appear more realistic and believable, ultimately improving the overall quality and impact of the final product.

3. Tools and methods for setting up 3D model texture mapping

To set up a texture for a 3D model, you can follow these detailed steps:

Choosing a 3D Modeling Software:

• Choose a professional 3D modeling software such as Blender, Maya, 3ds Max, Cinema 4D, etc. Make sure to choose a software that you are familiar with or willing to learn.

To import a 3D model:

• Open the selected software and import your 3D model. Usually, you can do the import operation through the "Import" option in the menu bar or by dragging and dropping the files into the software window.

To create a material:

• Texture maps can be obtained through scanning/digital photography, designed in image processing software such as GIMP, Photoshop, or painted directly onto a 3D surface in a 3D painting tool such as Mudbox or zbrush.

Import Textures:

• Import your stickers into the software. Typically, you can use the Import or Map options to accomplish this step. Make sure to select the type of map (diffuse, normal, specular, etc.) to meet the needs of your model.

To apply a map to a model:

• In the Material Editor, locate the appropriate slot for the map (for example, the diffuse map slot). Drag and drop the map into the appropriate slot, or use the map connection feature provided by the software.

Adjust Mapping and UVs:

• Make sure that the model's UV mapping is correct so that the map is properly mapped to the model surface. In the 3D software, you can adjust the UV mapping to ensure that each surface has the correct mapping coordinates.

Adjust material properties:

• Adjust the properties of the material, such as glossiness, reflectivity, transparency, and so on, as needed. These properties will directly affect the appearance of the model's surface when rendered.

Preview & Adjust:

• Preview the model in the software to see how the texture will look. Adjust as needed to make sure the texture renders the way you want it to look.

To export the model:

• When you're happy with the map settings, select Export Model. Make sure to select the appropriate file format for use in other 3D applications or rendering engines.

Please note that the above steps are general guidance and may vary depending on the software used. It is advisable to consult the relevant documentation and tutorials in your chosen 3D modeling software for more detailed and specific information.

4. How to set texture maps in GLTF?

Using professional modeling software to set the texture map of the model is indeed a good choice, but it is not so friendly for novice whites, the installation and use of the software are more troublesome, and GLTF editor -NSDT as an online material texture editing tool, based on the development of Three .js, can run in any browser that supports webGL, without installing and downloading additional plug-ins or since opening the browser can be used.

Here's how and how to set up a texture map using the GLTF Editor -NSDT:

Open the GLTF editor -NSDT in the browser, import the model into the editor, how the model itself has a material, the right panel of the software will read the material information of the model and display, the material panel information on the right side supports the editing and modification of the material, as shown in the following figure:

Without further ado, let's first import a 3D model of a game character without a texture map:

In order to show the more realistic appearance and details of the model, and make the model look more realistic, now we add texture maps to the model, and you can search for texture maps on the Internet, there are still many such resources, such as https://3dtextures.me/:

After finding the texture map file you are using, select the texture type in the Material panel on the right, upload the texture map, and the system will automatically calculate the UVs and map the texture map to the 3D model perfectly, as shown below:

GLTF Editor - NSDT is a rare and practical online model editing tool that can not only set the texture map of the 3D model, but also set the geometric origin of the model, and merge the mesh with the same material properties to realize the lightweight of the model.

Note: Achieving an effect usually requires several Material Maps to achieve the effect.

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