To Texture(what does it mean)

forms of texturing:-


Texture mapping-

Texture mapping is the process of adding graphics to a polygon object. The graphics can range from original images to photographs. Textures are added so that your object can aquire more depth and realism.

UV mapping -

UV mapping is essentially a 2D version of a 3D image or an unwrapped version. During the unwrapping process you would want to arrange your UV's so that it fits nicely in your image.

Specular mapping -

This is when you set up your texture to determine how much light you want it to reflect.  It is also used to show how shiny you want it  to be.

Bump mapping -

A bump map is used to give off an illusion of depth or a 3D effect on a 2D image so that it looks 3D.

Transparency map -

A transparency map is when you use grey-scale textures / black and white colours to signify whether you want something to be transparent or not.  

Normal mapping -

Normal mapping is when you add an illusion of detail. E.g putting a character model into mud-box so that you can create massive detail whilst still keeping a low poly count.

Baking -

Is when you instead of rendering save your model as a image file and then import that as a texture. E.g rendering is taking too long  due to all of the detail, so cyou could create the same effects using textures of the render etc.