Session 15: Applying Imported Textures

Working out the correct dimensions:

When applying imported images as graphics in Vectorworks it is important to pay attention to the dimensions of both the image file and the object it is to be applied to.

The File above was used for the ITV Reception Area Graphic. Download the file to use in the exercise (Left-Click to open in a new window and then Right-Click to save as a jpeg).

The image is 31.25cm x 13.02cm. So that the image fits neatly onto the object we must apply the same proportions to both (or crop part of the image). It is unlikely that the object shares these dimensions. Here is a tip for working out the required dimensions in Photoshop:

• Open the file and check the Image Size. Make sure Constrain Proportions is checked.
• Change either the Height or width to match one of your desired dimensions (e.g Height=100cm).
• This will automatically adjust the second dimension, keeping the same proportions!
• Do not save the changes made however, it is not needed to have such a large file.

Setting the Texture Size by Image: (taken from Vectorworks 2008 Help)

For image-based shaders, the real-world size of each texture repetition can be set based on a segment of the image.

To set the size of an image texture based on the image:

1.	Select the image to use for the texture..

2.	In the Edit Texture dialog box, click Set By Image.

The Set Image Size dialog box opens. Red handles flash briefly to indicate the location of the line segment.

3.	Specify the image length to use for sizing the texture by dragging the line segment into position, and then dragging the ends of the line segment. If necessary, use the mouse scroll wheel to zoom into and out of the image, or click and hold the mouse wheel button to pan.

When the line is indicating the desired real-world length, specify the real-world size for the line segment in Feature Size.

4.	Click OK to exit the Set Image Size dialog box and update the Size value.

Applying the Texture:

• Select the object
• Double-click on the texture Icon in the Resource Browser Palette.
• The Texture may have to be 'Flipped' either Horizontally or Vertically.
• Make sure that the Horizontal and vertical off-sets are at 0.
  

To complete the application you can Un-check the Repeat Horizontally and Repeat Vertically boxes in the Object Info. Palette. The texture now sits on the front face of the object only. The other faces take on the objects fill colour attribute.