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Mapping Gesture

by Bookyakuno·Workflow

Images © Bookyakuno. Used for product review; image policy.

Why we like it

Mapping Gesture stands out in the superhive library for handling texture mapping node transforms through mouse movement, backed by keyboard modifiers for axes, fine steps and direct value entry. The simple node view is noted as a prototype that works with materials using a single principled BSDF, so it's worth checking the developer's page for full scope.

What is Mapping Gesture?

Mapping Gesture is a Blender add-on from Bookyakuno for adjusting texture mapping node transforms with mouse movement. It targets the active mapping node or the first hit mapping node, and moving the mouse left and right adjusts the mapping. It's accessed from the N side menu under Addons, or by pressing Alt + Shift + T in object mode.

During a gesture, G, R and S switch the transform type, with S scaling all axes and Shift + S adjusting scale axes individually. X, Y and Z change the axis, T cycles the texture coordinate output socket (Shift + T reverses), Shift makes fine adjustments, and Ctrl rounds values, snapping rotation to 45 degrees. You can type values directly with 0-9 and perform four arithmetic operations, and change the target material slot with the wheel and arrow keys, or the mapping node with Ctrl held.

If no mapping node exists, it adds one along with texture coordinates and connects it to all texture nodes, exiting when there are no texture nodes. Setup Tex adds a single image to the base color, while Setup Pri adds base color, metallic, roughness and normal textures at once (a porting function from the Node Wrangler add-on).

Who is Mapping Gesture best for?

Mapping Gesture is best for blender artists who want to adjust texture mapping node scale and transform quickly using mouse gestures with keyboard modifiers.

How much does Mapping Gesture cost?

Mapping Gesture is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • Adjusts a mapping node's transform through left and right mouse movement, targeting the active or first-hit mapping node
  • Transform controls via keys: G, R and S switch the type, S scales all axes, Shift + S scales axes individually, and X, Y, Z set the axis
  • Ctrl rounds values and snaps rotation to 45 degrees, Shift makes fine adjustments, and 0-9 allow direct value entry with four arithmetic operations
  • T cycles the texture coordinate output socket, with Shift + T cycling in reverse
  • Automatically adds a mapping node and texture coordinates and connects them to all texture nodes when none exist
  • Texture setup: Setup Tex adds one image to the base color, Setup Pri adds base color, metallic, roughness and normal at once (ported from Node Wrangler)
  • Simple node view for displaying and editing adjustment nodes such as color ramp, RGB curve, hue/saturation, brightness/contrast and RGB to BW

Tags

#texture mapping#mapping node#Blender add-on#shader nodes#texture setup#Node Wrangler#mouse gesture

Frequently asked questions

Which Blender versions does Mapping Gesture support?

Mapping Gesture lists compatibility with Blender 2.93 and the 3.x series through 3.6, covering 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5 and 3.6. If you're on one of these versions you should be able to run the add-on along with its mapping gesture, texture setup and simple node view features. For versions newer than 3.6, compatibility isn't stated here, so it's worth checking the developer's page before relying on it in a current project.

How do I open Mapping Gesture in Blender?

Mapping Gesture can be opened from the 3D viewport's side menu, reached by pressing N, under the Addons tab as Mapping Gesture. It also has a keymap: in object mode, pressing Alt + Shift + T runs the gesture directly. Once active, moving the mouse left and right adjusts the mapping node transform, and keys such as G, R and S switch the transform type while X, Y and Z change the axis. That gives you both a menu entry and a shortcut for reaching the tool.

What happens if there's no mapping node when I run Mapping Gesture?

Mapping Gesture targets the active mapping node, or the first hit mapping node, when you run it. If no mapping node exists, it automatically adds a mapping node and texture coordinates, then connects the mapping node to all texture nodes. If there are no texture nodes at all, it exits. And if you switch materials during execution and the target material slot is empty or has no texture node, nothing is executed. This means the add-on handles missing nodes for you rather than requiring a manual setup first.

Does Mapping Gesture add textures like Node Wrangler?

Mapping Gesture includes texture setup shortcuts alongside its mapping gesture. Setup Tex adds a single image to the base color, and Setup Pri adds textures such as base color, metallic, roughness and normal all at once, described as a porting function from the Node Wrangler add-on. It also offers a simple node view for displaying and editing some adjustment nodes like color ramp, RGB curve, hue/saturation, brightness/contrast and RGB to BW, though this is noted as a prototype for materials with a single principled BSDF.

Is Mapping Gesture free to use?

Mapping Gesture is listed as free in this catalog and is distributed under the GPL license. Licensing terms and any pricing can change over time, so for the current details it's best to check the developer's page directly. The add-on works inside Blender and covers mouse-driven mapping node adjustment, automatic node setup, texture setup shortcuts and a simple node view, so you can try those features once it's installed in a supported Blender version.

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