Create Texture Reference Object

User Guide > Rendering and Render Setup > Shading > About shading and texturing surfaces > Map and position textures >

You can create a texture reference object for the selected surface to lock a 3D texture or projected 2D texture to the surface. As the surface animates or deforms, the texture stays with the surface, producing a very natural looking result.

Note

You must create a reference object before you animate or deform the original surface.
A reference object for a polygonal surface must have the same topology (number of faces) as the original surface. When you create a reference object, the topology of the reference object is identical to the original surface. However, if you make subsequent changes to the topology of the original surface, you must create another reference object.
A scene can contain any number of reference objects, but each surface in the scene can only have one reference object.

To create a Texture Reference Object

Select a surface and assign a 3D texture to it.
If the 3D texture node is grouped within an object’s hierarchy, see Troubleshoot when I move a referenced object, the texture swims.
Select Texturing > Create Texture Reference Object.
Maya creates a templated copy of the surface called the reference object. You can move a reference object anywhere in the scene.
Use the texture placement manipulators to position the texture relative to the reference object.
Animate the original surface (not the reference object).
As the original surface moves or deforms, Maya uses the reference object to move or deform the texture so that it matches the motion or deformation of the original surface.

Select and delete a texture reference object

To select a reference object

Do one of the following:
- Click Texturing > Select Texture Reference Object.
- Click the reference object’s heading in the Channel Box.

To delete a reference object

Click Texturing > Delete Texture Reference Object.
NoteTexture reference objects do not work with several things, including displacement mapping and subdivision surfaces.