How to Collect High-Quality References for PBR Material Creation

•7 min read

Collecting and organizing reference images is one of the most important steps in creating realistic—or even stylized—PBR materials. This guide will help you gather the best references to streamline your workflow and achieve professional results.

1. What Makes a Good Reference Image?

Not all reference images are created equal. Here's what to look for:

Lighting Conditions

  • Diffuse Lighting: Even, shadow-free lighting shows true colors
  • Directional Lighting: Highlights surface details and normal information
  • Multiple Angles: Different views of the same material

Image Quality

  • High resolution (minimum 2000px on the longest side)
  • Minimal compression artifacts
  • Accurate white balance
  • In-focus with good depth of field

2. Where to Find Reference Images

Free Resources

  • Texturing.xyz: High-quality material scans
  • CC0 Textures: Public domain textures
  • Poliigon References: Free reference library
  • Pexels/Unsplash: High-res photos (check licenses)

Paid Resources

  • Megascans: Extensive material library
  • Substance Source: High-quality material references
  • Poliigon: Professional-grade textures and references

Pro Tip:

Build your own reference library by taking photos of interesting materials you encounter in daily life. Pay attention to how different materials age and wear.

3. Organizing Your Reference Library

A well-organized reference library saves time and improves consistency:

Folder Structure

References/
├── Metals/
│   ├── Rusty_Steel/
│   ├── Brushed_Aluminum/
│   └── Copper_Patina/
├── Fabrics/
├── Woods/
└── Rocks/

Naming Convention

  • Use descriptive names (e.g., "Rusted_Metal_Industrial_Door_01.jpg")
  • Include resolution if applicable (e.g., "4K", "8K")
  • Add source information if needed

4. Using References Effectively

Analyzing Materials

  • Identify the base color without lighting influence
  • Note how light interacts with the surface (specular highlights, roughness)
  • Observe edge wear and tear patterns
  • Look for height/displacement details

Creating a Material Study

  1. Start with the base color/albedo
  2. Add roughness/smoothness details
  3. Incorporate normal/displacement information
  4. Adjust metallic properties if applicable
  5. Add final details like dirt, grime, or edge wear

5. Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Copyright Issues

  • Always check usage rights before using images
  • When in doubt, use your own photos or purchase proper licenses
  • Keep track of attribution requirements

Reference Quality

  • Avoid using low-resolution images
  • Be cautious of heavily processed or filtered photos
  • Watch out for perspective distortion in close-up shots

Reference Checklist:

  • Multiple angles of the material
  • Different lighting conditions
  • Close-up details
  • Context shots showing material in use
  • Notes on material properties

Conclusion

Building a comprehensive reference library is an ongoing process that will significantly improve your PBR material creation. By collecting high-quality references and organizing them effectively, you'll be able to create more realistic and consistent materials in less time.

Remember that the best references often come from observing the real world. Take the time to study how different materials behave in various conditions, and don't be afraid to build your own reference library through photography and material studies.