A vertex color map is VMap type that lets you color the vertices (i.e., points) in your object mesh. The color for areas in between the vertices is averaged. (The Baker surface shader also uses vertex color maps.) You can see the effects of vertex color maps in Flat shade, Smooth shade, and Texture viewport modes. Vertex coloring is multiplied on top of the base surface color with its texture. This tutorial will show you how to create a Vertex Color Map. Let's begin.

Step1: Load the source file named "Demon_Raw" that we have supplied or use an object of your choice.

Download Source Files

Step 2: We need to create a new Color Map before we can start painting. Choose Map > Weight & Color: New Color Map.

Step 3: Enter a name in the input field and choose the surface that will use this vertex color map on the apply to surface menu.

You've just successfully created a Color Vertex Map. Open the Advanced tab of the Surface Editor and select the same surface used above. You will see the map you just created already selected on the Vertex Color Map pop-up menu. (The Vertex Coloring is a blending amount. You can leave it at 100%.) If in the future you need to change the color map or remove it from the surface, you would do it here.

Step 4: Choose Map > Weight & Color: Airbrush. On the numeric panel, pick your map on the Weight or Color Map pop-up menu. Choose an appropriate Radius, Strength, Color, and Alpha.

*Note: Using your Right Mouse button , you can change the Radius of the Airbrush tool interactively.

Step 5: Start painting.

Note: The density of points greatly affects how much detail you can paint.

That about wraps up this tutorial. Below are some examples of using Vertex Color Maps. Happy painting!