The Map Output Selector map serves as a necessary intermediary between a multi-output map, such as Substance, and the material it’s connected to. Its primary function is to tell the material which map output to use.
The Map Output Selector map is inserted automatically when you assign an output of a multi-output Substance map (with a Substance file loaded) to a map input of a material. Likewise, if you assign an empty Substance map to a material map and then load a Substance file with multiple outputs, the Map Output Selector is automatically inserted. Alternatively, you can add a Map Output Selector directly from the Material/Map Browser.
The Map Output Selector map’s simple interface allows you to access the Substance map, change the map channel index, and change the map output channel. For example, you can change the output from Diffuse to Specular while keeping the original connection.
Top: New Substance map after assigning to material Diffuse map
Center: Map Output Selector map is automatically inserted after loading a Substance file into the Substance map.
Bottom: A second Map Output Selector is inserted after making another connection (Specular) between the Substance map and the material.
Interface
- Source Map
-
Shows the name and type of the input map. To switch to this map, click the button.
- Channel Index
-
The ID number of the output channel from the Substance map. 1 corresponds to Diffuse; 2 to Specular, and so on. This setting is linked to the Channel Name setting (see following).
- Channel Name
-
The Output channel of the Substance map. Change the channel by choosing a different one from the drop-down list. This setting is linked to the Channel Index setting (see preceding).
You can also change the channel by rewiring the connection using standard Slate Material Editor methods.