The Database tab lets you look for a texture in the Textures database in many different ways. You can search for a texture by classification (i.e., wood) or by average reflectance (i.e., between 0.20 and 0.40). If Favorites were specified when the database was created, you may limit the search functions to just these images.
Search by Classification
All textures in the Textures database are classified into categories. Some textures appear in only one category, others in several. Select the Classification check box and select the desired category to see the textures available in the category. The Other classifications displays all miscellaneous categories. These additional categories include ones from Lighting Analysts as well as any you have specified when the Textures database is created or updated.
Search by Average Reflectance
When a texture is added to the Textures database, its average reflectance and color is calculated. This value is stored along with the texture in the database. You may search the database by average reflectance ranges if desired. this ability allows you to quickly find all textures within the same reflectance range - like light colored surfaces (i.e., for ceilings or walls).
The Search by Average Reflectance filter may be used in conjunction with the other classification types. For instance, you may search through the Wood classification for materials with reflectances between 40 - 60%. You can change the reflectance of any texture using Surface Edit or the appropriate Object dialog.
Favorites
At any time, you may rate a particular texture as a favorite. To quickly find a favorite texture, use the Favorites filter.
The Favorites filter stratifies the database choices further by only displaying the textures marked Favorite in addition to the filters discussed above. For example, when the Wood classification is selected, only wood textures rated as a Favorite would appear. If no Wood textures were marked as favorites, no textures would be available for selection.
Texture Database
The Texture characteristics are shown in this section. The average texture reflectances, colors, name and categories are displayed. Textures may be rated as favorites by selecting the Favorite checkbox when the texture is displayed. Similarly, a texture marked as a favorite can be derated by unchecking the Favorites checkbox when the texture is displayed.
To navigate through the categorized textures, use the arrow buttons at the bottom of the dialog. To use a particular texture, click OK once it is displayed in the dialog.
You may change the Texture classifications on the fly by clicking the Re-Classify button. A Classification dialog will appear, allowing you to add or remove classifications as desired to customize the database.
A texture may be removed from the Textures database by clicking the Remove button. Removing textures allows you to pare down the database of textures you never specify. However, if these textures are located in the Textures folders in AGi32, you will be prompted to add them when the Texture database is updated.
Note: You can use the keyboard to scroll through the textures found instead of the mouse. Click in the Texture Name textbox in the Search results section. Use the Ctrl-Left Arrow and Ctrl-Right Arrow keys to scroll forward and backward. The Ctrl-End and Ctrl-Home keys advance you to the first or last texture.