> 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/building-materials-in-element-3d.md).
# Building Materials in Element 3D
Element 3D allows you to create and adjust materials in the Scene Setup to create looks from realistic to stylized. Element has two material renderer types, the legacy Standard Shaders and the brand new Physical Shader system.
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## PHYSICAL SHADERS
The new [Physical Shader](https://www.videocopilot.net/help/element2/help_files_v2/texturing_and_materials/physical_shaders/) system uses the loaded Environment Map to light the object. So as you change your environment, the shader’s lighting will change accordingly. It will use a mix of the scene lights and environment to light the object in After Effects.
## STANDARD SHADERS
[Standard Shaders](https://www.videocopilot.net/help/element2/help_files_v2/texturing_and_materials/standard_shaders/) is the legacy shader system. This uses the regular Specular and Reflection system and only uses Scene Lights to light the material.
## TEXTURE SLOTS
[Material slots](https://www.videocopilot.net/help/element2/help_files_v2/texturing_and_materials/material_texture_slots/) are where you load PNG or JPEG files to give materials variation. You can use this to give your material or create more realistic reflections. You can drag texture files to the slots or click on it to bring up the [T](https://www.videocopilot.net/help/element2/help_files_v2/texturing_and_materials/material_texture_slots/)[exture Slot Pop-Up](https://www.videocopilot.net/help/element2/help_files_v2/texturing_and_materials/texture_channel_popup/)[.](https://www.videocopilot.net/help/element2/help_files_v2/texturing_and_materials/material_texture_slots/)
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