Layers Management
Mixing Layers
You can mix layers vertically by adjusting the Layer Weight for each layer.
Keep in mind that the layer weight influences a material from top to bottom. This means that if the topmost layer has a weight of 100%, then any layer underneath it will not be considered by the engine.
For example:
We have created two layers. Layer A has a weight of 25% while Layer B has a weight of 100%. The stacking order plays a significant role.
Layer A on top of Layer B
The final material will use 25% of Layer A and the rest of the weight (75%) for Layer B.
Layer B on top of Layer A
The final material will use 100% of Layer B.
Note:
The layer positioned at the bottom of the layering scheme always has a layer weight of 100%.
Working with Layers
- To add a new layer, click the + icon. The new layer will be created on top of the Layering Scheme.
- To remove an existing layer, click the layer, and then click the X icon that appears to the right.
- To move a layer up or down, click the layer, and then click the Up or Down arrow to the left.
- To change the type of layer, click the layer, click the blue icon to the left, and then select a layer type in the dialog.
Tip:
When you switch between different layer types, any assigned texture, color, or value will carry over to the selected type.
Layer Weight
For each layer in the Layering Scheme, you can define the weight (%) of the selected layer with respect to the other layers.
All layer weights are normalized according to their sum, so that each layer’s reflectance is modified by a relative percentage. Without any weights, layers are again normalized to reflect with the same weights.
The weight of the coating layer actually modifies the percentage of light that is allowed to reach the layers underneath.
To adjust a layer’s weight, drag left or right to increase or decrease the value.
You can also load a texture that will be used as a mask for the rest of the layers, which is helpful for creating advanced materials.
