3D Impressions Tutorial - Coloring Objects

Step 1 - Select 2D Square Object

First, ensure that your scene contains a standard, 2D square object and is now selected ready for modification.  This can be achieved by following the 'Adding 2D Object Tutorial'.

By selecting the 'Material' ribbon category, (see point 1 below), your studio editor should look something like this:

Areas of note that are highlighted above include:

1. The 'Material' ribbon category gives quick access to changing the object's appearance.
2. Object's material primary 'Color' properties can be changed on the 'Material' context ribbon category.
3. Selecting the 'Material Properties' tool window gives you access to all values that affect an object's outward appearance.

Step 2 - Basic Color

To change the basic color of an object, simply click the large paint can in the 'Appearance' section of the 'Material' context ribbon to display a selection of colors.

If you would also like the object to appear semi-transparent, the 2nd of these icons allows you to choose what's called its Alpha level.

To see how this looks in the 3D Player, click the Preview button available within the 'Home' ribbon category.

Step 3 - Fill Types

As well as being able to select a solid color for the object, you can blend between 2 colors, known as gradient fills.  Below lists the available Fill Types:

To use a gradient fill, use the 'Fill Type' selection property on the Material Ribbon or Material Properties window.

Selecting a non-solid fill type allows you to specify 'Color 2' and its associated Alpha value.

For a Linear gradient, you can also specify the direction the color change follows.
This is done by specifying the 'Fill Angle'.

Try experimenting with different values and then clicking the Preview button.