Question Understanding textures

[dadirector]

Hi guys
I am trying to understand skins textures terminologies for example what does diffuse, decal, specular means. I searched the wiki as well as the forums but no luck.. can someone please explain those terms.?
Thank you

 

[DJ]

Diffuse is what you probably think of when you think of a skin texture file. Basically, just what the skin looks like.

A Decal is a .png file with a transparent background that can be laid over top of a diffuse texture so most of the diffuse still shows through. Tattoos, freckles, makeup, etc.

A specular is a map of reflectivity. What parts of the texture are shiny, and how whiny they are. You may need to adjust gloss and specular sliders for the skin before the effects can really be seen.