TextureLab

What TextureLab is

TextureLab is a free, open source tool for making tileable, physically based textures. Its node based workflow provides a preview at each step, and shapes, noises, and filters are seamless by default. Procedural textures can be designed once and used at any resolution. Almost all nodes are built to work on the GPU, and materials default to a metallic Physically Based Rendering workflow.

Textures can be exported directly to Unity materials. TextureLab is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux; version 0.4.0 beta is offered for those platforms, along with links to itch.io and source builds. The project is still under heavy development, and the maker invites contributions through its GitHub repository. It also points users to Discord and itch.io communities. The listed TextureLab plan costs nothing, and the download page describes the software as free and open source. These details make its procedural workflow, platform availability, Unity export, and development status useful considerations for people choosing a texture authoring tool.

Who it suits

TextureLab suits people creating procedural, tileable textures through a node based workflow, especially those working with metallic PBR materials or exporting to Unity. It is available across Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Getting started

1. Visit https://texturelab.io/ and open the download page.
2. Choose the Windows, macOS, or Linux download for version 0.4.0 beta.
3. Install the desktop application and create a procedural texture through its node workflow.
4. Use the preview at each step and export directly to Unity materials if needed.
5. Visit the linked Discord or itch.io community, or contribute through GitHub.

Verdict

TextureLab offers a free, open source workflow for procedural, tileable textures, with direct Unity material export. Its maker says development is still heavy, so consider that status when deciding whether it fits your work.