Jump to content

Image texture as a 'decal'


andrewbirch

Recommended Posts

Hi all... I was wondering the best way to do this in Renderworks. I have an image of a logotype in photoshop with its background as an spot alpha channel, saved as a tif.

What I want to do is apply this texture over an object like a decal so the alpha channel part of the logo image goes transparent, and the texture of the object (or solid color of the object's fill) shows through, leaving the logotype applied to the objects surface.

If I use mask transparency, the texture makes the object it is applied to tansparent. [Roll Eyes] Does this mean I need a spearate object infront of the object I am trying to apply it to ? That seems rather tedious.

If anyone has the trick here, I would appreciate the help greatly.

Link to comment

Create an image prop. This allows you to create both the texture and the object at the same time, as well as provided a simple interface for creating the texture mask so you logo looks correct. And when you're finished, you have a parametric object that you can easily resize for different aplications. In fact, youmight want to save the resulting prop as a symbol to be recalled later.

Create one is relatively simple, but I'm sure you can find step by step instructions in the help system (F1)

If you still need help, send me the texture file, and I'll create a little flash based demonstration of how to do it (as long as I can use it for a tech tip later). Of course I'll send back the symbol as well.

Link to comment

Hi Michael ! I appreciate your help.

So if I understand you correctly, the Image Prop becomes just another object that is placed in front of the object I intend to map it on...so in essence, the layering of image is physical (a prop in front of an image) and not a layering of two texture maps, that a decal-like function would give me?

Link to comment

quote:

Originally posted by andrewbirch:

Hi Michael ! I appreciate your help.

So if I understand you correctly, the Image Prop becomes just another object that is placed in front of the object I intend to map it on...so in essence, the layering of image is physical (a prop in front of an image) and not a layering of two texture maps, that a decal-like function would give me?

the image prop is a separate object (and is inherantly flat).

I dont think that's what you want.

You will probably need a surface that is the size and shape of the decal, and apply your transparency texture to that.

HTH

Link to comment
  • Vectorworks, Inc Employee

Hello andrewbirch:

You are right, you have to layer actual objects, rather than composing them all together as a decal texture.

You can still create an image prop to automate the decal texture creation process, even if the geometry you need for the decal is not a simple planar surface. Delete the prop geometry that is created but keep the texture resource around. It will have the correct color and mask for you to apply to the overlaid (decal) object.

[ 03-01-2006, 03:41 PM: Message edited by: Dave Donley ]

Link to comment

Thanks Dave. It would be interesting to see if the Lightworks Engine would allow a 'decal' type function in the future. If one could designate the alpha channel as transparent and have it layer over the base image color or applied image shader, you could have some very simple, but visually rich rendering variations. To do that in the master shader dialog box would be ideal.

I do this kind of thing in C4D, but was hoping V12 had achieved it. Still, things are improving very nicely. V12 is great.

I appreciate your help very much.

Link to comment

I put together a little demonstration of the process you'll follow to create a decal using an image prop. Let me know what you think.

http://www.kickpointsolutions.com/vectorworks/decal.htm

The Flash file is a little over 8 megs so it will take a moment or two to load depending on your connection speed. If you have trouble...

http://www.kickpointsolutions.com/vectorworks/decal.zip

you can use this link to download an archive, and play it off of your computer.

Link to comment

If you ever have an idea that a little demo like this would be good for, sort of a mini how-to, or a neat tip/trick, email me the details. I'm looking for innovative areas of the application to create these for, and to use the content to drive VectorWorks users to the VectorWorks Mid-Atlantic Users Group section of my website... coming soon.

Link to comment

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...