# Text Texture Generator – Quick User Guide

This guide keeps things short so you can start creating textures right away.

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## What It Does

- Adds a **Text Texture** panel to Blender (3D Viewport, Shader Editor, Properties).
- Lets you type text, pick fonts, set colors, and position everything directly in Blender.
- Generates image textures (and optional normal maps) that are packed into your `.blend` file.

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## Requirements

- Blender 4.0 or newer (Windows, macOS, Linux).
- Pillow and CairoSVG install automatically with the addon _(SVG overlays work out of the box)._

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## Installation

1. Open Blender → `Edit > Preferences > Add-ons`.
2. Click **Install...**, choose the downloaded `.zip` (or extracted folder with `__init__.py`).
3. Enable **Text Texture Generator** in the add-on list.
4. Save preferences if you want it active next time.

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## First Run Checklist

1. Select an object with a material (or create a new one).
2. Open the **Text Texture** panel (press `N` in the 3D Viewport or Shader Editor and look for the tab).
3. Type your text in the **Main Text** field.
4. Choose a font: use the system list or toggle **Use Custom Font** and browse to a `.ttf`/`.otf`.
5. Set the texture size (Width & Height) and background (transparent or solid color).
6. Click **Preview Texture** to see a quick render.
7. Click **Generate Texture** when you’re happy. The image is created, packed, and ready in the Image Editor.

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## Common Options (Plain English)

- **Prepend / Append Text**: Add lines before or after your main message (good for labels or subtitles).
- **Layout**: `Horizontal` keeps everything in one line; `Vertical` stacks each section.
- **Anchor Grid**: Choose where the text starts (center, top left, etc.). Offset sliders fine-tune the position.
- **Manual Position Mode**: Switch to percentage or pixel input if you need exact placement.
- **Preview Background**: Checker, solid color, or gradient so you can see how the text will look.
- **Save Presets**: Store your favorite settings either with the `.blend` file or in Blender’s config folder so you can reuse them later.
- **Normal Map (Pro)**: Flip on **Generate Normal Map** to add depth—strength, blur, and invert control the look.

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## Typical Workflow

1. Enter and style your text.
2. Use the preview to check spacing and colors.
3. Generate the final texture.
4. In the Shader Editor, click **Create Shader** to build a material with the new texture (and normal map if enabled).
5. Apply the material to your object. Done.

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## Tips

- Need multiple styles fast? Duplicate the blend file or save presets before you start experimenting.
- Keep the preview size smaller while fine-tuning; switch to full resolution for final renders.
- SVG logos? Add them as overlay components—the addon bundles CairoSVG and rasterizes them automatically.
- For team projects, export presets (`Add-on Panel > Presets > Export`) so everyone can share the same look.
