Multi-Layer Highlights
 
 
 
Command entry: Material Editor Standard material Basic Parameters rollout for the Multi-Layer shader First Specular Layer and Second Specular Layer groups

Multi-layer highlights consist of two layers, each of them anisotropic. The highlights are transparent to each other. Where they overlap, the Multi-Layer shader blends their colors.

Procedures

To increase or decrease the size of a highlight (specular) layer:

To increase or decrease the strength of a highlight (specular) layer:

To adjust the shape (anisotropy) of a highlight (specular) layer:

To adjust the orientation of a highlight (specular) layer:

Interface

The First Specular Layer and Second Specular Layer groups have identical controls, which can have different settings.

Color

Controls the specular color of this highlight. The specular color is the color of the highlight on a shiny surface.

Click the map button to assign a Specular Color map. This button is a shortcut: You can also assign a Specular Color map on the Maps rollout.

Level

Affects the intensity of this specular highlight. As you increase the value, the highlight grows brighter. Default: First layer=5, Second layer=0.

Click the map button to assign a Specular Level map. This button is a shortcut: You can also assign a Specular Level map on the Maps rollout.

Glossiness

Affects the size of this specular highlight. As you increase the value, the highlight gets smaller and the material appears shinier. Default: First layer= 10, Second layer=25.

Click the map button to assign a Glossiness map. This button is a shortcut: You can also assign a Glossiness map on the Maps rollout.

Anisotropy

Controls the anisotropy, or shape, of this highlight. At 0, the highlight is round. At 100, the highlight is extremely narrow. One axis of the Highlight graph changes to show changes in this parameter. Default=0.

Click the button to assign an Anisotropy map. This button is a shortcut: You can also assign an Anisotropy map on the Maps rollout.

Orientation

Changes the orientation of this highlight. The sample slot shows changes in orientation. This is a value in degrees that can range from 0 to 9,999. Default=0.

Click the map button to assign an Orientation map. This button is a shortcut: You can also assign an Orientation map on the Maps rollout.

Highlight graph

These two intersecting curves show the effect of adjusting the values of Level, Glossiness, and Anisotropy. As you decrease Glossiness, the curves grow wider; as you increase Specular Level, the curves grow taller. As you adjust Anisotropy, the white curve changes to show how wide or narrow the highlight is.