How do you combine UV mapping with other texture coordinate systems like triplanar or spherical?

2 Spherical mapping

Spherical mapping is a method of projecting a texture onto a 3D model as if it were wrapped around a sphere. This way, the texture can create a seamless and uniform appearance, and wrap around curved surfaces. Spherical mapping is useful for planets, globes, balls, and other spherical or circular objects. To use spherical mapping in Blender, you need to use the Texture Coordinate node and the Mapping node. The Texture Coordinate node provides the Normal output, which gives the coordinates based on the surface normal. The Mapping node allows you to scale, rotate, and move the texture around the sphere. You can then use a Color Ramp node to adjust the contrast and brightness of the texture.

3 UV mapping

UV mapping is a method of assigning texture coordinates to the vertices of a 3D model, so that a 2D image can be wrapped around it. This way, the texture can follow the shape and details of the model, and create realistic and customized effects. UV mapping is useful for characters, vehicles, furniture, and other objects that have specific textures and patterns. To use UV mapping in Blender, you need to use the UV Editor and the Image Texture node. The UV Editor allows you to unwrap the model and edit the UV layout. The Image Texture node allows you to load the texture image and adjust its settings.

4 Combining systems

You can combine different texture coordinate systems to create more complex and interesting results. For example, you can use triplanar mapping for the base color of a terrain, and then use UV mapping for adding decals or details. Or you can use spherical mapping for the base color of a planet, and then use UV mapping for adding clouds or continents. To combine different texture coordinate systems in Blender, you need to use multiple Image Texture nodes and Mix RGB nodes. The Image Texture nodes allow you to load different textures for each system. The Mix RGB nodes allow you to blend them together using different modes and factors.

5 Transforming coordinates

You can also transform the texture coordinates to create variations and animations. For example, you can scale, rotate, or move the texture coordinates to change the size, orientation, or position of the texture on the model. Or you can use noise, wave, or other functions to distort or modulate the texture coordinates. To transform the texture coordinates in Blender, you need to use the Mapping node and the Math node. The Mapping node allows you to scale, rotate, and move the texture coordinates along each axis. The Math node allows you to perform arithmetic operations on the texture coordinates.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?