Notes on Texture Resolution and Texel Density

Introduction

• Discussion on creating multiple angle shots for a young shop project.
• Encountered issues with blurred textures.
• Focused on rendering close-ups of objects with good texture resolution.

Key Concepts

• Texel Density:
  • A crucial term learned during the project.
  • Affects texture resolution based on UV map usage.
  • Higher Texel density = more resolution in texture.

Problem-Solving

• Utilized Texel Density Check add-on in Blender to:
  • Select preferred Texel density.
  • Ensure consistent texture quality across all objects.
• Importance of filling UV map space to improve texture resolution.

Common Misunderstandings

• Texture Quality vs. Resolution:
  • 4k textures can still yield poor resolution if UV map space is misused.
  • Proper UV mapping leads to better Texel density and texture quality.

Visual Comparison

• Example images illustrate:
  • Low resolution texture on the right vs. high resolution on the left.

Usage in Industry

• Texel density is commonly used in:
  • Video games
  • Films
• General guidelines for Texel density based on camera distance:
  • Low density for faraway shots (e.g., RTS cameras)
  • Medium density for third-person views (e.g., Dark Souls)
  • High density for first-person shooters.

Implementation in Blender

1. Installation of Texel Density Checker add-on (free on Gumroad by Ivan Baskov).
2. Choosing Texture Size:
   • Start with 4k textures.
   • Experiment with different densities, aiming for the highest Texel density that fits within the chosen texture size.
3. UV Mapping:
   • Join multiple objects in the same UV map; e.g., seven UV maps used in this project.
   • Address common UV mapping problems:
     • If an object doesn't fit, add more seams.
     • If there is unused area, consider downgrading texture size (e.g., from 4k to 2k), but keep the same Texel density.
4. Naming Convention:
   • Rename objects to include their respective map sizes.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to explore more on Texel density through linked tutorials and related project videos.
• Expressed gratitude for viewership.