Adjust Mapping on Objects and Faces (Concept)

AutoCAD 2008 User's Guide > Create Realistic Images and Graphics > Materials and Textures > Using Maps for Added Realism >

Adjust Mapping on Objects and Faces

Concept

Procedure

Quick Reference

After you attach a material with texture, you can adjust the orientation of the texture map on objects or faces.

When materials are mapped, you can adjust the material to fit the shape of the object. Applying the appropriate type of material mapping to an object improves the fit.

Planar mapping. Maps the image onto the object as if you were projecting it from a slide projector onto a 2D surface. The image is not distorted, but the image is scaled to fit the object. This mapping is most commonly used for faces.
Box mapping. Maps an image onto a boxlike solid. The image is repeated on each side of the object.
Spherical mapping. Warps the image both horizontally and vertically. The top edge of the map is compressed to a point at the “north pole” of the sphere, as is the bottom edge at the “south pole.”
Cylindrical mapping. Maps an image onto a cylindrical object; the horizontal edges are wrapped together but not the top and bottom edges. The height of the image is scaled along the cylinder’s axis.

Mapping Gizmo

If you need to make further adjustments, you can use the mapping gizmo that is displayed on the object to move or rotate the map on the object.

The mapping gizmos are viewport icons that let you quickly choose one or two axes when transforming a selection with the mouse. You choose an axis by placing the mouse over any axis of the icon, then drag the mouse to transform the selection along that axis. In addition, when moving or scaling an object, you can use other areas of the gizmo to perform transforms along any two axes simultaneously. Using a gizmo lets you switch quickly and easily between different transform axes and planes.