> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.sandbox.game/en/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.sandbox.game/en/creator/voxedit/creative-guides/art-techniques/colour-texture-and-depth/textures-and-materials.md).

# Textures & Materials

{% hint style="success" %}
[**Simplify a rig**](/en/creator/voxedit/creative-guides/art-techniques/3d-design/need-to-simplify.md#reduce-3d-geometry-add-2d-texture) with these resources. Replace excess voxels with more attractive and detailed 2D surface texture.
{% endhint %}

## 2D Texturing

Texture on a 2D surface is the illusion of material type, light source and intensity, and depth. Texture is achieved through color choice, using recognizable patterns for different material types, and applying techniques to create shine, damage, etc.

### **Pixel Art 101**

**The Pixel Art Tutorial** is a great resource to get started and:

* Learn the vocabulary to make pixel art
* Compare great examples and non-examples of pixel art techniques

Click to open:

{% embed url="<https://pixeljoint.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?PID=139318&TID=11299#139318>" %}
<https://pixeljoint.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?PID=139318&TID=11299#139318>
{% endembed %}

### Excellent Texturing Resources

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Texturing Techniques" %}
​[**The Big Texturing Tutorial**](https://onimille.tumblr.com/post/175820210378/the-big-texturing-tutorial) is a simple yet *fantastic* visual reference to create depth, material types, and damage on a 2D surface. Click the link to open the tutorial for an expanded view.

{% embed url="<https://onimille.tumblr.com/post/175820210378/the-big-texturing-tutorial>" %}
[**The Big Texturing Tutorial**](https://onimille.tumblr.com/post/175820210378/the-big-texturing-tutorial)
{% endembed %}
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Common Textures" %}
The [**Pixel Art Textures Tutorial**](https://www.deviantart.com/uszatyarbuz/art/Pixel-art-tutorial-shading-textures-examples-470364911) graphic breaks down common 2D textures into two simple shades to show basic patterns found in them.&#x20;

Click to open:

{% embed url="<https://www.deviantart.com/uszatyarbuz/art/Pixel-art-tutorial-shading-textures-examples-470364911>" %}
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Natural Textures" %}
The [**Pixelblog - 2 - Texture**](https://www.slynyrd.com/blog/2018/2/15/pixelblog-2-texture) tutorial has great tips about natural textures.

It can also guide your creative process to make modular foliage as repeatedly used models in a 3D rig.

It can also help you carefully texture block surfaces to create more natural feeling patterns when blocks are blocks are placed next to each other in an Experience.

Click to open:

{% embed url="<https://www.slynyrd.com/blog/2018/2/15/pixelblog-2-texture>" %}
<https://www.slynyrd.com/blog/2018/2/15/pixelblog-2-texture>
{% endembed %}
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

## Light and Shadow

No matter what medium used to create art, light is a huge part of reaching the right result.

Light comes from a certain direction, hits materials differently, and reflects off of nearby objects in the real world. How will your creations emulate that?

[**Light**](/en/creator/game-maker/docs/components/display/light.md) behaviour can be used in Game Maker to change the mood of an Experience, but most often an asset will be designed with [**carefully chosen colours**](/en/creator/voxedit/creative-guides/art-techniques/colour-texture-and-depth/colour-choice-and-strategy.md) to create mood, texture, and depth in an asset.

Learn more about light for creating the illusion of texture and materials from these recommended resources:

{% embed url="<https://drawpaintacademy.com/light-and-shadow/>" %}
<https://drawpaintacademy.com/light-and-shadow/>
{% endembed %}

{% embed url="<https://www.slynyrd.com/blog/2018/6/15/pixelblog-6-light-and-shadow>" %}
<https://www.slynyrd.com/blog/2018/6/15/pixelblog-6-light-and-shadow>
{% endembed %}

​


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