Packer-IO
Looks
Looks Widget

Looks Widget

Looks: Change the appearance

Packer-IO Window and Object The ‘Looks’ menu is located in the left sidebar. It is divided into two sections: the upper shelf, which contains MatCaps, and the lower UI area, which includes additional transformation settings. In this section, we will focus on the MatCaps. The transformation options will be discussed in the following section.

The ‘Looks’ feature (a fancy term in Packer-IO for a combination of MatCaps, Overlays, and Shading Manipulations) allows users to change the overall appearance of the working 3D object. Its primary purpose is to provide the geometry with appropriate shading, which can better represent the form against a plain, dark background. Some 3D forms are edgy, others are organic, and there are many instances where the default shading does not adequately highlight the topology details, reliefs, or structures in the way an artist might prefer.

MatCap Shelf

Packer-IO Window and Object The MatCap Shelf is the main component of the Looks Menu. It comprises 5x6 slots, each containing different shading and color looks.

  • The first row contains ‘Functions’. These are programmed components which affect the parametric drawing of the object, such as wireframe, UV stretch value, etc.
  • The second row contains Production MatCaps, representing the most commonly used defaults known from other applications for fast and clean visualization.
  • The third to sixth rows contain Aesthetic Art MatCaps. These are applied to the object for more pleasing visualization or for contrasting topology details, due to their varying light and shadow orientations.

Function Looks

These components are programmed to influence the parametric rendering of the object. Packer-IO Window and Object The Function MatCaps provide the following visualizations on and within the working object:

  • PointCloud: This feature places dots at the vertices of the object. It is particularly useful for seeing through the object to detect or select hidden parts of the geometry that are typically inaccessible from within the form.

  • WireFrame: This option overlays a wireframe of the polygon on the working object, providing a clear view of its structural layout. (Shortcut: CTRL+W)

  • UV Seams: UV seams are displayed as an additional overlay on the working object. Both Wireframe and UV Seams can be applied simultaneously for a more comprehensive view. (Shortcut: CTRL+S)

  • Checker Map: The UV Checker applies a parametric checkerboard texture to the working object. This is useful for verifying the correctness of UVs across all (sub)object parts and assessing texture density. You can adjust the tiling of the checker map by clicking the 1-4 buttons at the bottom of the Looks Menu. Alternatively, you can press CTRL+1, CTRL+2, CTRL+3, or CTRL+4 on your keyboard to interactively change the density.

  • Stretch: Activating the Stretch view allows users to observe UV stretching on the object, indicated by a gradient of two colors. Red values show areas of higher stretching, while bluish values indicate lower stretching. Packer-IO Window and Object These tools provide invaluable assistance in the detailed inspection and optimization of UV mappings, which is a critical step in the 3D modeling process. By enabling artists to clearly see and adjust how textures are applied and how they conform to the geometry of the model, these tools help in achieving the desired visual quality and realism in the final render.

Production Looks (defaults)

These Matcaps mimic the generic and most used shaders from the past and which are favorably used in most other applications. Packer-IO Window and Object The Production MatCaps provide the following visualizations on and within the working object:

  • Default: The Default MatCap is the standard visualization style within Packer-IO, crafted to offer a visually pleasing experience. It incorporates a balanced lighting setup with smooth key, fill, and back lights, enhancing the overall appearance of 3D models. This style adheres to the Packer-IO Design color brand, characterized by its bright and positive aesthetic.
  • Clay: The Clay MatCap emulates the well-known ZBrush Clay Look. This option is tailored for users transitioning from ZBrush or those familiar with its shading techniques. It provides a recognizable geometry shading style, aiding in the intuitive understanding of model forms and surfaces.
  • Normals: Designed for detailed surface analysis, the Normals Look offers an invaluable tool for visualizing the normals of a 3D model. This MatCap is essential in 3D modeling and rendering processes, as it accurately displays the orientation of normals. Such visualization is crucial for verifying the correctness of surface properties and ensuring the integrity of the final rendered output.
  • White: The White Look is inspired by the concept of ambient occlusion and is particularly effective for architectural or sculptural visualizations. It offers a clean, distraction-free representation of models, highlighting form and volume without the influence of complex color schemes or textures.
  • X-Ray: The X-Ray Look provides a unique visualization akin to medical X-ray imaging. This MatCap is versatile, finding applications in medical visualization, mechanical design, character modeling, and educational tools. It excels in illustrating how different components of a model interconnect, employing a simple fresnel outline to emphasize internal structures and relationships.

Art Looks

Packer-IO Window and Object Art-Looks MatCaps are designed to give your object different, sophisticated looks for better topology previewing. Some objects may not appear “in the best light” while using one default matcap. We have therefore delivered a set of 20 matcaps, specially designed to preview your objects depending on it topology on your current look-preferences. For example, organic stuff, like characters, look optimal while using “Nude” Looks. On the other side, some product design objects may appear perfect while using shiny or mate “Pastel” Looks.

Extra Features