minMatcap

minMatcap 2.0

Type: Shaders

Updated: April 20, 2009

Availability: Released

Compatibility

Host Applications: mental ray and RenderMan

Operating Systems: Linux, Windows and Mac OS X

Architecture: 32-bit and 64-bit

Overview

This simple material shader mimics the look of ZBrush’s Matcap material. It derives shading and color entirely from a bitmap texture of a spherical shader ball — these may also be referred to as “lit spheres”. As such this shader does not react to any lights in the scene.

Version 2 also supports bump mapping and allows the user to choose between camera-oriented shading and fixed world- or object-space shading.  It is also possible to offset the texturing and control  the shading of backsided faces.
You can even use minMatcap as a light shader, which may be useful to add a little ambiance into a scene.

Usage

The scene’s lights do not affect this shader as it relies solely on the specified shader ball. It is best suited to present models without the need to create an intricate lighting setup.
Depending on the shader ball texture minMatcap may be used to simulate reflection mapping, subsurface scattering and various other high-end effects.