What are the best ways to test and preview textures and materials in 3D modeling?

1 Use a reference object

One of the simplest ways to test and preview textures and materials is to use a reference object, such as a sphere, a cube, or a plane, that has a neutral color and shape. You can apply your textures and materials to the reference object and see how they react to different lighting conditions, camera angles, and scale. This can help you spot any issues with your textures and materials, such as seams, stretching, tiling, or resolution. You can also compare your textures and materials to real-world examples or images to see how close they match.

2 Use a UV checker

Another way to test and preview textures and materials is to use a UV checker, which is a grid of colored squares that shows how your UV mapping affects your textures and materials. A UV checker can help you check if your UV mapping is correct, consistent, and proportional. You can apply a UV checker to your model and see how the squares fit on the surface. If the squares are distorted, overlapping, or missing, you need to adjust your UV mapping. You can also use a UV checker to see how your textures and materials repeat or tile on your model, and if they need any offset or rotation.

3 Use a render engine

A more advanced way to test and preview textures and materials is to use a render engine, which is a software that simulates how light interacts with your scene and produces realistic images. A render engine can help you see how your textures and materials look in different environments, such as indoor, outdoor, or studio. You can also use a render engine to see how your textures and materials affect the appearance of your model, such as its color, reflectivity, transparency, or bumpiness. You can use a render engine to create previews or final renders of your model, depending on your needs and preferences.

4 Use a material library

A final way to test and preview textures and materials is to use a material library, which is a collection of ready-made textures and materials that you can apply to your model. A material library can help you save time, explore different options, and learn from other artists. You can use a material library to find textures and materials that suit your style, theme, or genre, or to create variations and combinations of textures and materials. You can also use a material library to study how textures and materials are created and modified, and to improve your own skills and knowledge.

5 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?