Texel vs. Pixel — What's the Difference?

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.

Fundamental element mapped onto 3D models.

Represents color or shade in an image.

Smallest unit of a texture in 3D graphics.

Fundamental component of screen displays.

Gets mapped to Pixels in rendering scenarios.

Used in various screen technologies.

Used in texture mapping processes.

Smallest unit of a digital image or display.

Can influence how a 3D object appears.

Can influence image clarity and sharpness.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

To create computer graphics by editing individual pixels.

(computer science) the smallest discrete component of an image or picture on a CRT screen (usually a colored dot);

Texel stands for "texture element".

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Increasing Pixel count typically makes an image sharper and clearer.

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

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

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

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

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