How to Create Emboss and Deboss Effect in KeyShot

If you’re trying to add some depth to a logo or label in KeyShot, but don’t have the geometry of the graphic modeled on your part, you can easily create the illusion of an embossed or debossed graphic by using a simple bump map.

Emboss and Deboss Labels

KeyShot Labels are usually used to add decals and graphic detail to your model. However, labels can act as a sort of secondary material complete with texture map capabilities to add more detail and more flexibility to your model setup. Let’s take a look at how it’s done.

1. Create a White Version of Your Graphic

To get started, you’ll first want to create a white version of your logo or graphic. Colored images may still work, but white tends to create the best results when adjusting your bump maps. Add just a bit of blur to your image to feather the edges. Now, when the bump map is applied, the transition between surface heights will appear slightly graduated to add just a bit more realism to your scene. Then, save your image as a PNG with a transparent background.

2. Apply Label to Model

To apply your newly created label to your model in KeyShot, you can either drag and drop the image onto your model and select an option from the pop-up Texture Map Type dialog, drag and drop the image into the Labels list, or select the Add Label icon to the left of the list and add the image from its saved folder.

3. Position the Label

Next, position your label in its desired location and scale to your needs. Once your label has been applied to your preferred location, you’re ready to create your bump texture.

4. Add Bump Texture 

In the Label Textures sub-tab, alt+click and drag your Diffuse layer onto the Bump layer (Option+click if you are an Mac user). If you’re a KeyShot Pro user and prefer to work in the Material Graph, connect the texture to your label material’s bump input, and you’ll achieve the same result.

5. Adjust Label Properties

Finally, adjust the Bump Height to a positive number to create an embossed or raised effect, and adjust it to a negative number to create a debossed or indented effect. Typically, it doesn’t take much adjustment to your Bump Height to achieve your desired result, so start small and work your way in either direction as needed.

With your label in place and bump height set, you can now move on to making further edits to your label, such as adjusting your label Type to a different material or changing the labels color by using the Blend with Color checkbox.

Hopefully, this helps you create more realistic labels in your future KeyShot projects. You can learn more about KeyShot Labels in the KeyShot Manual. If you’re interested in trying KeyShot Pro, just visit portal.keyshot.com/try/keyshot.

What Can You Create?

We would love to see what you create with this tip. Visit the KeyShot Amazing Shots forum to see what others are creating and share your own work. And if you have a suggestion for another tip share it in the comments below.