An image loader is typically used to load an image from disk and store it in RAM on the CPU side. 

Some common formats:

• BMP (Windows bitmap) is an easy format and have a well published specification
• TGA
• JPG
• Many others...

The template class CTexture uses FreeImage to load images.  FreeImage supports numerous formats like BMP and JPG.  It is assumed colour images are 24 or 32 bit (not 8 bit).

Alternatively, one can generate a texture procedurally (through code), e.g., using Perlin noise.



Source:  Blender

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