Refraction

The refraction feature simulates the distortion effect of backgrounds seen through transparent materials like glass, water, or crystal. This effect adds depth and realism to stylized transparent objects.

Main Parameters

Use Refraction

A toggle to enable or disable the refraction effect.

Refraction Map

A texture that controls the direction and strength of refraction. Typically a normal map is used, but other patterns can be used for creative effects.

Refraction Strength

Controls how much the background is distorted. Higher values create more dramatic refraction effects.

Refraction Color

A color tint applied to the refracted areas. This is useful for creating colored glass or gel-like effects.

Usage

The refraction effect is useful for simulating various transparent materials:

1. Enable "Use Refraction"
2. Assign a refraction map (normal maps typically provide good results)
3. Adjust the refraction strength based on the desired amount of distortion
4. Set a refraction color if needed to add a color tint

Things to consider when using the refraction effect:

• Refraction only appears visually in transparent or translucent render modes
• Higher refraction strength creates more dramatic effects, but can look unrealistic if too high
• Using both a normal map and refraction map allows for surface detail and refraction effects simultaneously
• Refraction color interacts with transparency, making the color less prominent in more transparent areas