Each layer type offers a unique set of functions for applying textures and materials to an asset. Certain layer types provide more control over individual material channels, while others simplify the process of applying materials from InstaMAT's built-in material library, the User Library, or the current InstaMAT package.
The following is an overview of each layer type available in a Layering project.
Generates a distinct configuration for each layer channel. Assign different color values to each channel, or drag an Atom or Element Graph onto the channel configuration.
This layer type projects information onto the mesh according to the Projection Mode
found in the Layer Projection panel. This eliminates the need to manually paint areas of the mesh. By providing various input options for each layer channel, Multi-Channel Layers
provide increased control over how texture information is applied to the mesh.
Channels are controlled with the Layer Channels panel. Each channel has a dedicated blend mode and opacity. If an Atom or Element is supplied as an input for a channel, any exposed parameters are displayed for increased customization.
To learn more about setting up channels for a Layering project, please read our dedicated article on the Layering Project Editor.
Uses an Atom or Element Graph to generate the layer data. The graph outputs can be easily mapped to the individual layer channels of a Layering project.
This layer type projects information onto the mesh according to the Projection Mode
found in the Layer Projection panel. This eliminates the need to manually paint areas of the mesh. Element Layers
simplify the process of applying a full material to the asset by directly mapping the outputs of an Atom or Element graph to the channels for the layer.
The Layer Element Settings panel provides quick access to the Atom or Element's exposed parameters.
For Element Layers
, the Layer Channels panel provides functionality to map the Atom or Element's outputs to a specific channel for the layer.
Generates layer data using procedural paint strokes. Use your mouse or tablet pen to perform 3D painting directly on the mesh.
This layer applies paint strokes to the mesh in a procedural manner in 3D space. This means that the strokes are not dependent on the asset's UV layout. Therefore, if there's an update to the mesh that changes the UVs, the paint strokes will remain in the same location.
Like Multi-Channel Layers
, these layers provide increased control over how texture information is applied to the mesh with each stroke with options to provide various input types for each channel.
Brush layers provide additional settings for painting. Individual brush settings can be controlled with the Brush Properties panel.
Channels are controlled with the Layer Channels panel. For brushes, the Brush Preview and Brush Mask settings appear over the channel settings.
To learn more, please read our dedicated article about painting.
Generates layer data using procedural paint strokes using an Atom or Element Graph. Like Element Layers, the graph outputs can be easily mapped to the individual layer channels of a Layering project.
This layer applies paint strokes to the mesh in a procedural manner in 3D space. This means that the strokes are not dependent on the asset's UV layout. Therefore, if there's an update to the mesh that changes the UVs, the paint strokes will remain in the same location.
Like Element Layers
this layer type simplifies the process of applying a full material to the asset by directly mapping the outputs of an Atom or Element graph to the channels for the brush.
Brush layers provide additional settings for painting. Individual brush settings can be controlled with the Brush Properties panel.
Channels are controlled with the Layer Channels panel. For brushes, the Brush Preview and Brush Mask settings appear over the channel settings.
For Element Brush Layers
the Layer Channels
panel provides additional functionality to map the Atom or Element's outputs to a specific channel for the layer.
To learn more, please read our dedicated article about painting.
Groups multiple layers together. Layer Groups
composite all of their subsequent layers together before blending them onto the preceding layer in the Layer Stack.
Layer Groups
have their own blending mode and opacity level. Masks
and Effects
can be applied to the entire group to affect all layers in the group at once.
It is possible to nest
Layer Groups
inside one another for additional levels of organization.
Layer Groups
can be saved into InstaMAT's material library as Smart Prefab Layer Materials
. These materials are capable of advanced texturing and effects by applying all of the subsequent layers, masks, generators, filters,and effects inside of the group.
A Smart Prefab Layer Material
can be created by dragging a Layer Group
into the Graph Library panel. To use one, drag the saved Smart Prefab Layer Material
into a new Layering project. The contents of the group will unfold and spawn everything that is part of it.
Used as a visual anchor or to insert helper information into your layer stack for organizational purposes.