Skip to content

CubeMap

Loads images files and transforms them into cubemaps.

Cubemaps are used by the SkyBox and Material nodes.

CubeMap Node

Environment Mapping for 3D Scenes

CubeMap loads and converts image files into OpenGL cubemap textures. These 6-faced environment maps are essential for creating skyboxes (360° backgrounds) and reflective materials. Load pre-made cubemap images or generate them dynamically from cross-shaped texture inputs.

Reference

The following properties can be configured for this node:

Property Type Description
imagefile - loads the file from ~_assets/_textures/_cubemaps
filewatch - loads automaticaly a changed image file
pass - select the renderpass
Inlet Type Description
properties properties properties | use message [set <propertyPath> <value(s)>] (without node/<nodeName> at the beginning) to set internal properties
cross texture cross shape texture holding the 6 faces of the cube
Outlet Type Description
cubemap cubemap cubemap texture

How Cubemaps Work

Six-Faced Environment Texture

A cubemap consists of 6 square textures representing the inside faces of a cube:

Face Direction Description
+X Right Positive X axis
-X Left Negative X axis
+Y Top Positive Y axis (up)
-Y Bottom Negative Y axis (down)
+Z Front Positive Z axis
-Z Back Negative Z axis

When rendered on a SkyBox, these create a seamless 360° environment around the viewer.

Cross Layout Format

Understanding the Cross Shape

Cubemap images are typically stored in a "cross" layout:

      [+Y]
[-X] [+Z] [+X] [-Z]
      [-Y]

This unfolds the cube into a flat image. When loading via the cross inlet, provide a texture in this arrangement, and CubeMap will automatically extract and orient the six faces.

Loading Cubemaps

Two Ways to Load

From file:

  1. Place your cubemap image in ~/_assets/_textures/_cubemaps/
  2. Select the file via the imagefile property
  3. Enable filewatch to auto-reload if the file changes

From texture inlet:

  1. Generate or load a cross-shaped texture (e.g., from BoxMapCapture in "cross" mode)
  2. Connect it to the cross inlet
  3. The CubeMap node converts it to a proper cubemap format

CubeMap vs BoxMap

Understanding the Difference

Feature CubeMap BoxMap
Format Single OpenGL cubemap texture 6 separate textures
Source Image file or cross texture BoxMapCapture output
Use with SkyBox, Material SPARCK internal rendering
Best for Pre-rendered environments Real-time 360° capture

BoxMap is SPARCK's internal format for 360° rendering. CubeMap is the standard OpenGL format for environment mapping.

Common Uses

Where to Use Cubemaps

Skybox backgrounds:

  • Connect CubeMap to SkyBox to create immersive 360° backgrounds
  • The skybox renders behind all other 3D content

Reflective materials:

  • Connect CubeMap to Material nodes for environment reflections
  • Creates realistic shiny/metallic surface appearances

Important Notes

File Locations

~/_assets/_textures/_cubemaps/     # Cubemap image files

Supported formats: Standard image formats (PNG, JPG, TIFF, etc.) in cross layout.

Need help or want to suggest improvements?

Report an issue Improve the Docs

Last updated: 2025-12-01 | Edit this page on GitHub