What Is a Diffuse Map?

Diffuse Maps

A Diffuse map is the most common kind of texture map. It defines the color and pattern of the object. Mapping the diffuse color is like painting an image on the surface of the object. For example, if you want a wall to be made out of brick, you can choose an image file with a photograph of bricks.

What is diffuse in 3D Modelling?

Diffuse: Most used color component. Gets darker as the surface points away from the light (shading). If attenuation is set up on your light source, diffuse values will be reduced as the object moves away from that light. Diffuse is the main color value to worry about.

What is a specular map?

Specular maps are used to define the shininess/highlight on a surface. Typically a specular map is a black and white image that maps out the shininess value on an object. The whiter the pixel, the more shiny the object in that specific place on the texture (or on the texel).