Diffusion Map

The Diffusion map component lets you apply an additional, second texture to modify the Diffuse component.

A Diffusion map puts a layer of dirt over a poster.

The Amount of the original Diffuse map is reduced to give it a faded look and highlight the Diffusion pattern.

Typically, you will want to reduce the Amount of this map to allow the main Diffuse map to show through.

For example, you might have a clean, bright image for a billboard. You use this image as the Diffuse map, and then use a second map as a Diffusion map to apply soot and city grime.

Tip: Animating the Amount can change the appearance of the material over time, letting the Diffusion map either conceal or reveal the underlying Diffuse map.
Note: Show Map In Viewport does not display the Diffusion map.

Procedures

To use a Diffusion color map:

  1. Click the map button for Diffusion.

    3ds Max opens the Material/Map Browser.

  2. Choose a map from the Maps group, and then click OK.

    (If you choose Bitmap as the map type, 3ds Max opens a file dialog that lets you choose the image file.)

  3. Use the map controls to set up the map.

Alternatively, you can use the Slate Material Editor to wire a map node to the Diffusion component.