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Texel vs. Pixel — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 27, 2023
A Texel represents texture elements on 3D models, while a Pixel indicates picture elements in digital images.
Texel vs. Pixel — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Texel and Pixel

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Key Differences

A Texel, short for "texture element", is the smallest unit of a texture that is used in 3D graphics. These texture elements are mapped onto 3D models to give them visual complexity and detail. On the other hand, a Pixel, standing for "picture element", represents the smallest unit of a digital image or display. Pixels come together to form images that we view on screens, with each Pixel carrying a specific color or shade.
Texels and Pixels function in distinct realms: Texels in the world of 3D graphics and textures, and Pixels in the realm of 2D images and displays. Though both represent fundamental units in their respective domains, Texels cater to how textures look on 3D surfaces, while Pixels concern how images are displayed on screens.
In certain scenarios, especially in gaming or 3D rendering, Texels are mapped to Pixels; however, their inherent definitions and purposes remain unique.

Compare with Definitions

Texel

Fundamental element mapped onto 3D models.
A higher Texel density provides more detail on the surface.

Pixel

Represents color or shade in an image.
The artist changed the Pixel to a darker shade for effect.
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Texel

Smallest unit of a texture in 3D graphics.
The artist adjusted the Texel to refine the model's appearance.

Pixel

Fundamental component of screen displays.
The screen resolution indicates the total number of Pixels.

Texel

Gets mapped to Pixels in rendering scenarios.
The engine maps each Texel to the corresponding Pixel on the screen.

Pixel

Used in various screen technologies.
The OLED screen has a Pixel that emits its light.

Texel

Used in texture mapping processes.
When applying the texture, the software interprets each Texel.

Pixel

Smallest unit of a digital image or display.
Each Pixel in the photo captured a different color.

Texel

Can influence how a 3D object appears.
Without proper Texel alignment, the surface looked distorted.

Pixel

Can influence image clarity and sharpness.
With more Pixels, the image appeared clearer.

Texel

Texel (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈtɛsəl] (listen); Texels dialect: Tessel) is a municipality and an island with a population of 13,643 in North Holland, Netherlands. It is the largest and most populated island of the West Frisian Islands in the Wadden Sea.

Pixel

In digital imaging, a pixel, pel, or picture element is a smallest addressable element in a raster image, or the smallest addressable element in an all points addressable display device; so it is the smallest controllable element of a picture represented on the screen. Each pixel is a sample of an original image; more samples typically provide more accurate representations of the original.

Texel

(computer graphics) An image representing the smallest unit of a texture that may be repeated to tile a region of the display.

Pixel

The basic unit of a digital image, representing a single color or level of brightness.

Pixel

One of the tiny dots that make up the representation of an image in a computer's memory.

Pixel

One of the squares that make up a pixel art work or a zoomed in image in a computer.

Pixel

To create computer graphics by editing individual pixels.

Pixel

(computer science) the smallest discrete component of an image or picture on a CRT screen (usually a colored dot);
The greater the number of pixels per inch the greater the resolution

Common Curiosities

What does Texel stand for?

Texel stands for "texture element".

How is Pixel defined?

Pixel stands for "picture element" and is the smallest unit of a digital image or display.

Are Texels related to textures?

Yes, Texels are the smallest units of a texture used in 3D graphics.

How does a Texel affect a 3D model?

Texels add visual complexity and detail to a 3D model when textures are applied.

Can I count the Pixels on my screen?

Yes, screen resolution (like 1920x1080) indicates the total number of Pixels horizontally and vertically.

How are Texels and Pixels related in gaming?

In gaming, Texels from 3D textures are often mapped to Pixels on the display.

Where can I see Pixels?

Pixels can be seen in any digital image or display, like on computer screens or TVs.

Is a Texel the same as a Pixel?

No, while Texels relate to 3D textures, Pixels pertain to 2D images and displays.

Do all images have Pixels?

All digital images are comprised of Pixels, which form the visual content.

How does increasing Pixel count affect an image?

Increasing Pixel count typically makes an image sharper and clearer.

Why are Texels important in 3D graphics?

Texels define the appearance and detail of textures on 3D models.

How do artists use Texels in 3D modeling?

Artists use Texels to adjust and refine how textures appear on 3D surfaces.

What happens if a Pixel malfunctions on a display?

A malfunctioning Pixel may appear as a constant bright/dark spot or not display the correct color.

Can a Texel carry color information like a Pixel?

Yes, Texels carry color and other data to define how the texture appears.

Is there a limit to how many Pixels an image can have?

The limit is typically set by the capturing device or display's resolution.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Tayyaba Rehman
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.

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