Jump to content

Using one of the premade materials within a layered surface?


rd1010

Recommended Posts

I am using transparency maps and would like to be able to use the pre-made materials (chrome, glass, glow, etc) within a layered material so that I can use the transparency map over it.. I can't see a way to do this from what I have gathered so far, I would appreciate if anyone can offer any insight into this.

EDIT: I just found the merge co-shader so I think this is it..

Edited by rd1010
Link to comment
Share on other sites

It doesn't seem to be working for what I am using it for.. to apply the transparency map to the other shader..... so if anyone has any advice on this I'd appreciate your input. I don't really understand how to use the co-shader as my initial attempts to use it don't seem to be going to way I predicted.. if anyone has experience with the co-shader in general please post too... it doesn't seem to be mentioned at all in houdini's help files.

To find the merge co-shader dive into a material SOP and tab < merge co-shader

I'm using version 10, build 295.

Edited by rd1010
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I see now that the co-shader is for renderman... so it wouldn't work with mantra then...

EDIT: On further inspection I think I can use the super material to accomplish what I am trying to do as it supports every type of map so I'll just have to recreate the material I want in there.... does anyone know of a way that you can copy the specs from an existing material (for example, chrome) into a supermaterial shader so you don't have to build it from scratch?

Edited by rd1010
Link to comment
Share on other sites

last time i checked supermaterial was non editable (at VEX level)..so your best bet is to edit the parameters at the SHOP level...

if you want to use a specific pre built shader (for instance chrome as you said) you could edit it at VEX level and make modifications to it..its quicker than building a shader from scratch and much easier.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thank you for your response... you are definitely right about VEX now that I have looked at it that way.. I need to be doing things at the VEX level but had been fumbling around within the SHOP SOPs... I see now how to do the things I am trying to do.

Edited by rd1010
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...