How do you use the gradient map node to colorize your grayscale textures in Substance Designer?

1 Step 1: Create a grayscale texture

The first step is to create a grayscale texture that you want to colorize. You can use any node or combination of nodes that generate a grayscale output, such as noise, shape, blend, or filter nodes. For this example, we will use a clouds 2 node with a high contrast and a levels node to adjust the brightness and contrast of the texture.

2 Step 2: Add a gradient map node

The next step is to add a gradient map node to your graph. You can find it under the function category in the library panel. Connect the output of your grayscale texture node to the input of the gradient map node. You will see that the gradient map node has a default gradient that goes from black to white, which means that it does not change the color of your texture.

3 Step 3: Edit the gradient colors

The third step is to edit the gradient colors to suit your desired result. You can double-click on the gradient map node to open its properties panel, where you can see and edit the gradient. You can add, remove, or move color stops along the gradient by clicking on the gradient bar. You can also change the color of each stop by clicking on the color swatch below the gradient bar. You can use any color you want, but it is recommended to use complementary or analogous colors for a more harmonious effect.

4 Step 4: Adjust the gradient position and interpolation

The final step is to adjust the position and interpolation of the gradient to fine-tune the colorization of your texture. You can use the position slider below the gradient bar to shift the gradient along the grayscale range, which will affect how much each color is applied to your texture. You can also use the interpolation drop-down menu to change how the colors transition between each other. You can choose from linear, smooth, or stepped interpolation, depending on the style you want to achieve.

By following these four steps, you can use the gradient map node to colorize your grayscale textures in Substance Designer. You can experiment with different gradients, positions, and interpolations to create different effects and moods for your textures. You can also use the gradient map node as a mask for other nodes, such as blend, warp, or directional warp nodes, to add more variation and detail to your textures.

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?