The Layers tab is where you will spend most of your time during your texturing process. The layer stack will contain all of the layers added. Each layer can be controlled and tweaked to give you the desired results. The image below shows the default view of the Layers Tab.

Mixer gives you the flexibility to use a nondestructive workflow by using the layer system. These layers blend to reflect the changes being made to a mix and can be modified at any time. Once ‘Layer’ is selected in the Righ Panel, you will notice that it is split into two parts.

1. Layer Stack (Left): The left part contains all the layers and options to organize them. Please see Layer Controls for more options available for this side.
2. Layer Properties (Right): The right part will include controls contextual to the selected element on the left. Please see Layer Properties for more options.

For example, you can add a surface to the left, and all its properties can now be viewed and altered on the right.

We will divide this section into 5 parts to cover all the bases:

  1. Layer Types
  2. Layer Controls
  3. Layer Properties
  4. Layer Sets
  5. Groups

1. Layer Types

Mixer has a few different Layer Types such as Surface, Solid, Liquid, to name a few. Each of these types has different uses and settings required for creating your Mix. Layers are added to the left side of the panel, known as the Layer Stack.

2. Layer Controls

The Layer Controls allow you to control the layers within the stack. You can reorder, group, and duplicate your layers and much more. This allows for a non-destructive workflow within Mixer.

3. Layer Properties

When a layer is selected in the layer stack, the properties associated with that layer are displayed on the right side of the panel. These properties can be modified to change the result of that particular layer.

4. Layer Sets

Layer Sets are used to texture models that have UDIMs or Multiple Materials. Using Layer Sets, you can target which texture set you want to texture. Though Layer Sets are meant to be used with multiple targets, they are available for single texture set models.

5. Groups

Groups assist in organizing your layer stack and can be used to create custom Smart Materials. Masks applied on groups can also be exported.

Example of using layers in Mixer