Shaders

Create the model (in our case a sphere: my.sph) and save it as a combination/region(sph.r).

Figure 1. Create a Sphere Using MGED

Go to the “Edit” button on your Graphics Window/Command Window then click “Combination Editor” button.

Figure 2. MGED Edit Menu

A new window will open. Hit the button on the right of the Name zone, click “Select from all” and chose the region you want to edit. .Combination Editor image::ShadersShot3.png[]

Hit the “Show Shader” button.

Figure 3. Show Shader

The window will change and you will be able to see the appearance properties of your region. Default shader for unspecified geometry is “plastic”. You can edit it by choosing from the list that opens if you click the button on the right of the shader zone.

For you to get the 3D shape you have to raytrace your model. To do that you must write in the Command Window “B sph.r” and then “rt”, after avery change you make to your model. A new window will open with the raytraced model.

(sph.r is the example model. Where sph.r is written you should write your models name.)

Figure 4. Raytracing in MGED

Default:

Figure 5. Default Raytraced Sphere

Figure 6. Modifying Attributes

Figure 7. Object Properties

Change the Transparency, mirror reflectance, Specular reflectivity, Difuse reflectivity, Refractive index, Extinction, Shininess and Emission values, raytracing at the same time, so you can find the shader you want.

Figure 8. Blue Mirror Attributes

Figure 9. Blue Mirror

If you want to apply more then one material property you can choose stack from the list. Use the “Add shader” button to add as many shaders you want.

Figure 10. Add Shader

Example:

Figure 11. Set up Shader

Figure 12. New Settings Example

You should note that the ordering of the shaders matter.

If you change their order…​

Figure 13. Different Order

You get…​

Figure 14. New Example