71 lines
2.9 KiB
Markdown
71 lines
2.9 KiB
Markdown
# Text Texture Generator – Quick User Guide
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This guide keeps things short so you can start creating textures right away.
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---
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## What It Does
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- Adds a **Text Texture** panel to Blender (3D Viewport, Shader Editor, Properties).
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- Lets you type text, pick fonts, set colors, and position everything directly in Blender.
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- Generates image textures (and optional normal maps) that are packed into your `.blend` file.
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---
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## Requirements
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- Blender 4.0 or newer (Windows, macOS, Linux).
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- Pillow and CairoSVG install automatically with the addon _(SVG overlays work out of the box)._
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---
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## Installation
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1. Open Blender → `Edit > Preferences > Add-ons`.
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2. Click **Install...**, choose the downloaded `.zip` (or extracted folder with `__init__.py`).
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3. Enable **Text Texture Generator** in the add-on list.
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4. Save preferences if you want it active next time.
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---
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## First Run Checklist
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1. Select an object with a material (or create a new one).
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2. Open the **Text Texture** panel (press `N` in the 3D Viewport or Shader Editor and look for the tab).
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3. Type your text in the **Main Text** field.
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4. Choose a font: use the system list or toggle **Use Custom Font** and browse to a `.ttf`/`.otf`.
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5. Set the texture size (Width & Height) and background (transparent or solid color).
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6. Click **Preview Texture** to see a quick render.
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7. Click **Generate Texture** when you’re happy. The image is created, packed, and ready in the Image Editor.
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---
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## Common Options (Plain English)
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- **Prepend / Append Text**: Add lines before or after your main message (good for labels or subtitles).
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- **Layout**: `Horizontal` keeps everything in one line; `Vertical` stacks each section.
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- **Anchor Grid**: Choose where the text starts (center, top left, etc.). Offset sliders fine-tune the position.
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- **Manual Position Mode**: Switch to percentage or pixel input if you need exact placement.
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- **Preview Background**: Checker, solid color, or gradient so you can see how the text will look.
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- **Save Presets**: Store your favorite settings either with the `.blend` file or in Blender’s config folder so you can reuse them later.
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- **Normal Map (Pro)**: Flip on **Generate Normal Map** to add depth—strength, blur, and invert control the look.
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---
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## Typical Workflow
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1. Enter and style your text.
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2. Use the preview to check spacing and colors.
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3. Generate the final texture.
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4. In the Shader Editor, click **Create Shader** to build a material with the new texture (and normal map if enabled).
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5. Apply the material to your object. Done.
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---
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## Tips
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- Need multiple styles fast? Duplicate the blend file or save presets before you start experimenting.
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- Keep the preview size smaller while fine-tuning; switch to full resolution for final renders.
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- SVG logos? Add them as overlay components—the addon bundles CairoSVG and rasterizes them automatically.
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- For team projects, export presets (`Add-on Panel > Presets > Export`) so everyone can share the same look.
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