Texture in 3D design refers to the surface quality, appearance, and material properties of a 3D object. It defines how an object looks and feels, including its color, pattern, roughness, reflectivity, and other visual characteristics.

Types of textures:

- Color textures: Base color and patterns

- Normal maps: Simulate surface detail without geometry

- Roughness maps: Control how light reflects off surfaces

- Metallic maps: Define metal vs. non-metal areas

- Displacement maps: Actually modify geometry

Texture properties:

- Diffuse: Base color and pattern

- Specular: How shiny the surface is

- Normal: Surface bumps and details

- Roughness: Surface smoothness

- Metallic: Metal vs. dielectric materials

Textures are essential for:

- Creating realistic materials

- Adding visual interest

- Defining material properties

- Enhancing 3D icon appearance

- Creating cohesive design styles

In 3D icon creation, textures help differentiate materials like glass, metal, plastic, or fabric, making icons more visually appealing and recognizable.