Metallic and Smoothness

Learn how Metallic and Smoothness values shape surface appearance.

Metallic and PBR fundamentals

Physically Based Rendering (PBR) accurately simulates light behavior according to real-world physics. The Metallic parameter dictates whether a surface behaves as a conductive metal or a dielectric insulator.

// Making surface fully metallic (between 0.0 and 1.0)
mat.SetFloat("_Metallic", 1.0f);

Dielectrics like wood, stone, and cloth use a Metallic value of 0.0, whereas iron, gold, and chrome use 1.0.

Smoothness

Smoothness controls microscopic surface irregularities. When set to 0.0, the surface is completely matte and diffuses light broadly.

// High gloss mirror-like smoothness setting
mat.SetFloat("_Glossiness", 0.85f);

As the value approaches 1.0, the surface becomes mirror-smooth, generating sharp, defined specular highlights and reflections.

Exercise Print Metallic and Smoothness values

Assign "0.9" to metallic and "0.85" to smoothness. Print Metallic: 0.9 | Smoothness: 0.85 to the console.

Show example solution

using System;

class Program
{
    static void Main()
    {
        string metallic = "0.9";
        string smoothness = "0.85";
        Console.WriteLine("Metallic: " + metallic + " | Smoothness: " + smoothness);
    }
}

Test yourself

In the PBR material system, what should the Metallic value be for non-metallic items like wood, plastic, or stone?
- -1.0 (Negative reflection)
- 0.0 (Non-metallic dielectric)
- 1.0 (Pure metal)
- 0.8 (Chrome plating)
Show answer

0.0 (Non-metallic dielectric) — Non-metallic dielectric surfaces possess a Metallic value of 0.0, exhibiting zero metallic conductance.

Set metallic value

mat.SetFloat("____", 0.8f);

Show answer

mat.SetFloat("_Metallic", 0.8f);

PBR properties

PBR

Physics-based realistic rendering model
Metallic

Value defining surface metalness (0-1)
Smoothness

Setting for shininess and reflection
Dielektrik

Non-metallic surface like wood or stone

Next lesson: Normal map

We Are Enhancing Your Experience

Cookie Preferences

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Analytical Cookies