Vectorworks Tutorial: Basics of Textures
Learn how to apply, edit, and create custom Renderworks textures to bring life to your 3D models in Vectorworks.
In this lesson
Understand the differences between OpenGL (now called 'Shaded'), Fast Renderworks, and Final Quality Renderworks
Apply pre-made Renderworks textures from the Resource Manager to 3D objects
Adjust texture mapping types (Plane, Auto-Align Plane, Perimeter, Sphere, Cylinder)
What you'll learn
Understand the differences between OpenGL (now called 'Shaded'), Fast Renderworks, and Final Quality Renderworks
Apply pre-made Renderworks textures from the Resource Manager to 3D objects
Adjust texture mapping types (Plane, Auto-Align Plane, Perimeter, Sphere, Cylinder)
Edit texture parameters including scale, offset, rotation, and mapping mode
Understand and modify texture shaders: color, reflectivity, transparency, and bump
Apply textures by face to create multi-material objects
Create custom Renderworks textures from imported images
Configure lighting (spotlights) to enhance texture visualization
Optimize texture scale settings within the texture definition vs. Object Info Palette
Overview
This tutorial introduces Renderworks textures in Vectorworks, covering how to apply pre-made textures, adjust mapping types, edit texture parameters, and create custom textures from scratch. You'll learn the differences between OpenGL and Renderworks rendering modes, understand texture shaders (color, reflectivity, transparency, bump), and master the controls for scaling, rotating, and mapping textures onto 3D objects. The tutorial demonstrates practical workflows for wood, stone, glass, and marble textures, showing how to achieve realistic results through proper texture configuration and lighting.
**Note:** In current versions of Vectorworks, OpenGL rendering mode has been renamed to "Shaded." The concepts and workflows remain the same.