When you map a 2D or 3D texture to an object, you connect it to an attribute of the object’s material. Textures map to geometry based on the object’s UV texture coordinates. For more information about texture mapping, see Texture mapping.

Unless you use a method that explicitly connects a texture to a specific attribute of the object’s material, it connects to the material’s default attribute (usually color or transparency). For more information on node connections, see Render node connections.

To map a texture using Hypershade

1. In the Create bar, select a texture from 2D Textures or 3D Textures.
2. If you are selecting a 2D texture, right-click the texture and select a mapping method (Create texture (create normally), Create as projection, Create as stencil).

   For information about mapping methods, see Mapping methods.

3. Do one of the following:
   • From the Hypershade, middle-mouse drag a 2D or 3D texture onto the desired object’s material. You can drag either directly to the material in Hypershade, or to the object in the scene view.

   The texture is placed on the object in a default position, and a placement node appears in the Hypershade. For more information on placement nodes, see Place 2d Texture.

   NoteWhen you middle-drag-drop a file texture on to a material and select Default in the pop-up menu, this automatically connects the file.outColor to the material.color and, if the image file has an alpha channel, connects the file.outTransparency to the material.transparency.

• In the Attribute Editor, click the map button next to the attribute to which you want to connect the texture. The Create Render Node window appears. See Create > Create Render Node.