PL - Shader (Transparent)
This shader mimics reflection and refraction effects.
Shader Type
Aside from “Transparent” there are three more modes:
- “None” disables shading.
- “Displacement” is explained separately → here.
- “Custom” is explained separately → here.
Depth
This parameter mimics refraction, but on a very simple level:
- The range goes from 0.0 to infinite.
- 0.0 means that there is no refraction at all, while higher settings lead to more distortion.
- This is not a physical accurate calculation of dielectric materials, but a quick approximation.
Mix ratio
Here you can specify the ratio between refraction and reflection:
- The range goes from 0.0 to infinite. Higher values increase the refraction effect.
- Reflections will only be calculated from an environment map.
- Reflections between nodes from your scene are not calculated.
Environment Map
A map is required to show reflections on the mesh. With spherically projected maps you will get the best and most accurate results, but any other image will work as well, though there might be visible seams.