Texture describes an object's surface quality or feel, perceptible via touch (tactile) or sight (visual).
- Tactile Texture: This is the physical feel of a surface, such as its roughness, smoothness, bumpiness, or softness. It is the actual physical sensation of materials like fabric, wood, or stone.
- Visual Texture: This is the perceived texture observed visually. It creates the illusion of texture without physical contact, for example, a painted representation of a rough surface that is actually smooth to the touch.
In design, both tactile and visual textures are employed to improve aesthetic appeal and generate realistic, three-dimensional effects.