> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://video-copilot.gitbook.io/element2/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://video-copilot.gitbook.io/element2/texturing-and-materials/advanced-material-options.md).

# Advanced Material Options

## Blend Mode

You can change the material blend mode to Add or Screen. This works well for when you want to create wireframes, nebulas, or translucent objects that blend together (like seen in the Star Trek behind the scenes). 

<figure><img src="https://www.videocopilot.net/assets/public/ckfinder/userfiles/images/importing_3d_objects/Advanced%20Blend%20Mode%20(Thumb).jpg" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

## Force Opacity

Adjust transparency of polygons the material is mapped to. (Note: Transparency is a bit of a limited function in Element due to some current gpu limitations and may not yield results like you would find in a full 3d program). Also see [Render Order](https://www.videocopilot.net/help/element/help_files_v2/render_settings/render_order_opacity_maps/) for alternate looks when using multiple transparent objects in a scene.<br>

<figure><img src="https://www.videocopilot.net/assets/public/ckfinder/userfiles/images/importing_3d_objects/Advanced%20Forced%20Opacity%20(Thumb).jpg" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Smoothing

Adjust the amount of smoothing for polygons associated with this material.

### Render Options

**Visible to Camera** turns off the object from being rendered in the scene, but cast shadows. **Cast Shadow** will turn off the object from casting onto other objects. **Receive Shadow** will turn off shadows cast onto itself.&#x20;

## Alpha Threshold

Converts semi-transparent areas of the map into completely transparent or completely opaque areas. This works with PNG texture files that have an Alpha Channel. See [Opacity Maps](https://www.videocopilot.net/help/element/help_files_v2/texturing_and_materials/opacity_maps/) for more info. Using the Add and Screen Blend Modes help when using Alpha Threshold as well.\
&#x20;

<figure><img src="https://www.videocopilot.net/assets/public/ckfinder/userfiles/images/importing_3d_objects/Alpha%20Threshold%20(Thumbnail).jpg" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Matte Shadow

Force object to render invisible but receive ambient occlusion or occlude objects that intersect. This is for when you want a ground Plane to catch a shadow so that it can render on your background image.<br>

<figure><img src="https://www.videocopilot.net/assets/public/ckfinder/userfiles/images/importing_3d_objects/Matte%20Shadow%20(Thumb).jpg" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}

#### ADJUST POSITION FIRST

You may want to adjust the position of your floor object before turning Matte Shadow on since it will render invisible. Make sure you have Ambient occlusion turned on in the Render Settings as well to catch on the floor. &#x20;
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="success" %}
**3D Truck Composite**\
• Use 3D Camera tracking in AE CS6 and Camera Tracker\
• Setup and align ground plane and adjust 3D coordinates\
• Build Matte Shadow object (ambient occlusion)\
\
[**WATCH NOW!**](https://www.videocopilot.net/help/element/tutorial/basic/3d_truck_composite/)
{% endhint %}

***

#### AO Amount

Increase Ambient Occlusion amount for model.Ignore AO\
Turns off Ambient Occlusion for model.

### Glow Amount

Increases Glow Amount for model. Glow is turned on in render settings.\
See 3D Model Trouble Shooting for info on Draw Backfaces.

#### Two Sided Lighting

Allows the model to be lit on both sides of the geometry.

<figure><img src="https://www.videocopilot.net/assets/public/ckfinder/userfiles/images/importing_3d_objects/Other%20Advanced%20Settings%20(Thumb).jpg" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>