9

Types of Maps 1617
File name display—
Displaysthefilenameonly,
w ithout the path.
Path b utton—Click to display the Open File
dialog from which you can specify a different path
and file name for the source file. After you choose
the file, 3ds Max displays t he XRef Merge dialog
(page 3–406) that lets you choose the object whose
material you want to ref erence.
Object name fi eld—Displaysthenameofthesource
object pointed to in the source file.
Object name and material—Displaysthenameof
thesourceobjectfollowedbythematerialnamein
parentheses. For example, “Shaker ( C hrome ).”
Path button—Click to display the XRef Merge
dialog (page 3–406) pointing to the scene in the
XRef File Name field. Here, you can specifiy
a different object w hose material you want to
reference.
Status line—Displays the status of the material. For
example,ifthefileandobjectarebothfound,this
field says “Status: X Ref Resolved.”
Maps
The most common use for maps (page 3–968) is to
improve the appearance and realism of Materials
(page 3–971). You can also use maps to create
environments (page 3–272) or projections from
lights (see Advanced Effects Rollout (page 2–1341)
).
Maps can simulate textures, applied designs,
reflect ions, refract ions, and other effects.
Used with materials, maps add details without
adding complexity to the geometry of an object.
(Displacement mapping (page 2–1511) can add
complexity.)
Accessing M ap Types
Yo u u s e t h e Material/Map Browser (page 2–1412)
to load a map or create a map of a particular
type.TheBrowsergroupsmapsintocategories
according to their type. You can choose whether
the Browser lists maps, materials, or both; you can
choose which map types.
To list map t ypes by categor y:
1. Open the Material E ditor.
2. Click Get Material to display the
Material/Map Browser .
3. OntheleftsideoftheMaterial/MapBrowser,
in the S how group, turn off Materials. Leave
Maps turned on.
4. Inthelowersetofbuttons,choosethecategory
you want listed, or choose All to show all map
types.
The list is displayed in the right panel of the
Browser.
To open the Br owser f rom the M a teri al Edi tor :
As you work with materials, you can open the
Material/Map Browser from the Material Editor.
1. Open the Material E ditor.
2. On the Material Editor toolbar, click G et
Material to display the Material/Map Browser.
Understa nding M ap Types
Different types of maps create different effects and
behave in particular ways.
• 2D maps (page 2–1624) are two-dimensional
images that are t ypically mapped onto the
surface of geometr ic objects, or used as
environment maps to create a background
for the scene. The simplest 2D maps are