user: Give a detailed overview of Options: syntax, arguments, return values, common patterns.

assistant: Image
:   The Image [Data-Block Menu](../../../../interface/controls/templates/data_block.xhtml#ui-data-block).

### Alpha

Use the alpha channel information stored in the image.
Where the alpha value in the image is less than 1.0,
the object will be partially transparent and things behind it will be visible.
Works with [image formats](../../../../files/media/image_formats.xhtml#files-media-image-formats) that store transparency information.

Calculate
:   Calculate an alpha based on the RGB values of the Image.
    Black (0, 0, 0) is transparent, white (1, 1, 1) opaque.
    Enable this option if the image texture is a mask.
    Note that mask images can use shades of gray that result in semi-transparency,
    like ghosts, flames, and smoke/fog.

    The image with various alpha and gray-scale values.

    |  |  |
    | --- | --- |
    | ../../../../_images/render_materials_legacy-textures_types_image-movie_alpha-use.png   Image with *Use* alpha. The alpha values of the pixels are evaluated. | ../../../../_images/render_materials_legacy-textures_types_image-movie_alpha-calculate.png   Image with *Calculate* alpha only, *Use Alpha* in the *Image* panel is disabled. |

Invert
:   Reverses the alpha value.
    Use this option if the mask image has white where you want it transparent and vice versa.

### Mapping

[image reference removed]

Image Mapping panel.

In the *Mapping* panel,
you can control how the image is mapped or projected onto the 3D model.

Flip Axes
:   Rotates the image 90 degrees counterclockwise when rendered.

Extension
:   How the image is extrapolated beyond its original bounds.

    Extend:
    :   Outside the image the colors of the edges are extended.

    Clip:
    :   Clip to image size and set exterior pixels as transparent.
        Outside the image, an alpha value of 0.0 is returned.
        This allows you to ‘paste’ a small logo on a large object.

    Clip Cube:
    :   Clips to cubic-shaped area around the images and sets exterior pixels as transparent.
        The same as Clip, but now the ‘Z’ coordinate is calculated as well.
        An alpha value of 0.0 is returned outside a cube-shaped area around the image.

    Repeat:
    :   The image is repeated horizontally and vertically.

        Repeat X, Y
        :   X/Y repetition multiplier.

        Mirror X, Y
        :   Mirror on X/Y axes. These buttons allow you to map the texture as a mirror, or automatic flip of the image,
            in the corresponding X and/or Y direction.

    Checker:
    :   Checkerboards quickly made.
        You can use the option *size* on the *Mapping* panel as well to create the desired number of checkers.

        Tiles Even/Odd
        :   Set even/odd tiles.

        Distance
        :   Governs the distance between the checkers in parts of the texture size.

#### Crop

Minimum X, Y / Maximum X, Y
:   The offset and the size of the texture in relation to the texture space.
    Pixels outside this space are ignored.
    Use these to crop, or choose a portion of a larger image to use as the texture.

### Sampling

In the *Sampling* panel you can control how the information is retrieved from the image.

[image reference removed]

Image Sampling panel.

Interpolation
:   This option interpolates the pixels of an image.
    This becomes visible when you enlarge the picture. By default, this option is on.
    Turn this option off to keep the individual pixels visible and if they are correctly anti-aliased.
    This last feature is useful for regular patterns, such as lines and tiles;
    they remain ‘sharp’ even when enlarged considerably.
    Turn this image off if you are using digital photos to preserve crispness.

    |  |  |
    | --- | --- |
    | ../../../../_images/render_materials_legacy-textures_types_image-movie_interpolation-off.png   Enlarged Image texture without *Interpolation*. | ../../../../_images/render_materials_legacy-textures_types_image-movie_interpolation-on.png   Enlarged Image texture with *Interpolation*. |

Size
:   Multiply the filter size used by interpolation.
    If you notice gray lines or outlines around the textured object, particularly where the image is transparent,
    turn this value down from 1.0 to 0.1 or so.