> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.shadersource.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.shadersource.io/assets-and-plugins/texture-tools/how-to-use-5.4+/navigating-the-viewports.md).

# Navigating the Viewports

This guide provides a detailed overview of the interactive **Input** and **Output** viewports within the Texture Tools plugin. Understanding these UIs is key to efficiently managing your textures, previewing results, and using advanced features like inpainting and 3D material previews.

## 1. The Anatomy of a Texture Viewer

The foundation of the viewport is the **Texture Viewer**, a self-contained panel for displaying a single texture. Both the Input and Output areas are composed of one or more of these viewers.

<figure><img src="/files/0BVjO5hwQV4j5rYotbRN" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Header Controls

At the top of each viewer, you'll find a set of utility buttons:

* **Add/Use/Find Buttons (Input Only):**
  * **Plus Icon:** Opens a Content Browser window to let you select a texture.
  * **Arrow Icon:** Uses the texture currently selected in the main Content Browser.
  * **Magnifying Glass Icon:** Locates the currently loaded texture in the Content Browser.
* **Tile Preview:** A numeric box that lets you tile the texture preview (e.g., a value of 2 will show the texture tiled 2x2). This is for preview only and does not affect the output.
* **Channel Toggles (R, G, B, A):** These buttons allow you to isolate and view individual color or alpha channels. This is extremely useful for inspecting masks and packed PBR textures.
* **Zoom Control:** Shows the current zoom percentage. Click it for preset zoom levels or use the **Mouse Wheel** over the image to zoom in and out.

### Interacting with the Viewer

* **Zoom:** Use the **Mouse Wheel** while your cursor is over the image.
* **Pan:** Use the scroll bars to the Bottom and Right to pan the image when zoomed in.
* **Remove Texture (Input Only):** **Right-click** on the image to clear the input slot.

## 2. Viewport Display Modes

Above both the Input and Output viewports is a segmented control that lets you switch between different display modes. The available modes change depending on the currently selected job.

<figure><img src="/files/dR6K372sjYxwanleMXt0" alt=""><figcaption><p>The AI Generation Job has the most view mode types</p></figcaption></figure>

### Grid View

This is the default view. It displays all available input or output texture viewers in a grid layout. This mode is excellent for seeing all your textures at a glance, especially when working with jobs that have multiple inputs like the **Channel Packer**.

<figure><img src="/files/VpWfqUrVgrGONqG5eB5f" alt=""><figcaption><p>Channel Packer Grid Input View</p></figcaption></figure>

### Carousel View

This mode displays only one texture viewer at a time, allowing you to focus on a single image.

* **Navigation:** Use the **<** and **>** arrow buttons below the viewer to cycle through the available textures.
* **Breadcrumbs:** The row of dots between the arrows indicates which texture you are currently viewing. You can also click on a dot to jump directly to that texture.

<figure><img src="/files/VVH5h1TvKenRcFeAaI9t" alt=""><figcaption><p>Channel Packer Carousel Input View</p></figcaption></figure>

### 3D Material View (Output Only)

This mode is available for the **Output** viewport when using a job that generates PBR textures, such as the **AI Generation** job. It allows you to preview your generated material on a 3D mesh in a fully lit environment.

* **Camera Controls:**
  * **Orbit:** Hold the **Left Mouse Button** and drag to orbit the camera around the mesh.
  * **Zoom:** Use the **Mouse Wheel** to zoom in and out.
  * **Pan:** Hold the **Middle Mouse Button** and drag to pan the camera.
* **Toolbar Controls:**
  * **Preview Mesh:** Use the radio buttons to switch between a **Sphere**, **Cube**, **Plane**, and **Cylinder**.
  * **Tile Preview:** Adjust the tiling of the material on the preview mesh.

<figure><img src="/files/nOVhtZB75NLaHjGPnI0l" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Draw Mask View (Input Only)

This special mode is only available for the **Input** viewport when an **AI Generation** job is selected. It is used for inpainting. For a detailed guide on how to use its specific tools, please refer to the ["User Guide: Inpainting with the Draw Mask Canvas".](/assets-and-plugins/texture-tools/how-to-use-5.4+/ai-generation-job-overview/inpainting-with-the-draw-mask-canvas.md)

<figure><img src="/files/bHeWl9qsZAWDluw6KeAn" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>