Overlay Node versus Geoshell

ibr_remote aka infinity10

Can we not use the Overlay node under Diffuse ?  What advantages does using Geoshell geometry confer, compared to using Overlay Node ?

Richard Haseltine

That depends on what you are trying to do - the Difuse Overlay is fine if you just want to change the base colour, but less useful (on its own) for a completely different material. Or do you mean layered Images? Those have significant impact on load time, are harder to revert, and fiddlier to set up as each property needs its own layered image - but still the better option in some situations.

ibr_remote aka infinity10

I did not use the Layered Image Editor, but the Overlay options, which may be found under Diffuse (need to show hidden parameters ?)  I used an image I generated using the online Charat dot me website and added it to the Basic Wear t-shirt.  It got me wondering why I would need geoshells if I can just use the Overlay nodes.

Richard Haseltine

Right, Diffuse Overlay is much more limited in what it can do than a shell. But if it does do what you need more efficiently then of course you should use it - it's not as if you are required to swear allegiance to one method or tool and use it to the exclusion of all others.

FenixPhoenix

Overlay only adds a layer on the diffuse channel, which is fine for certain tweaks and effects. When you need to add details that require more maps (such as spec, metallicty, normal and/or displacement) you are better off using LIE or Geoshell. The advantage of the latter over the former is not only related to faster loading, but that you have control over the settings, allowing the effect to look a certain way regardless of the character is used on. An effect created through LIE, on the other hand, would change depending on the character's skin settings.

ibr_remote aka infinity10

FenixPhoenix said:

Overlay only adds a layer on the diffuse channel, which is fine for certain tweaks and effects. When you need to add details that require more maps (such as spec, metallicty, normal and/or displacement) you are better off using LIE or Geoshell. The advantage of the latter over the former is not only related to faster loading, but that you have control over the settings, allowing the effect to look a certain way regardless of the character is used on. An effect created through LIE, on the other hand, would change depending on the character's skin settings.     

Thanks for that insight.  

Richard Haseltine

FenixPhoenix said:

Overlay only adds a layer on the diffuse channel, which is fine for certain tweaks and effects. When you need to add details that require more maps (such as spec, metallicty, normal and/or displacement) you are better off using LIE or Geoshell. The advantage of the latter over the former is not only related to faster loading, but that you have control over the settings, allowing the effect to look a certain way regardless of the character is used on. An effect created through LIE, on the other hand, would change depending on the character's skin settings.

and of course the shell can use a different UV set, if the item in question has multiple sets.

ibr_remote aka infinity10

Richard Haseltine said:

and of course the shell can use a different UV set, if the item in question has multiple sets.

Thanks. Good to know.