> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.world-creator.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.world-creator.com/walkthrough/add-filters/add-base-color.md).

# Add Base Gradient Material

Now that the base of our terrain is finished, we can add a first pass of material to it. To get a nice detailed material we will use the [Gradient material](broken://pages/ESklo2RZSwHRWGKws6te). A gradient material works by applying a colour gradient to a given greyscale gradient. The greyscale gradient will be created using the World Creators [distribution system](/reference/terrain/distributions.md). 

We start by adding a [Melt distribution](/reference/terrain/distributions/terrain/melt.md) to our material's Gradient distribution stack. You can now see the resulting mask. Next, we simply select one of the Rock Gradient presets in the Gradient material to apply a predefined gradient to the material. You can of course also create your own custom gradient based of colours or reference images.

To add even more detail, we will use a second gradient material masked with a [Roughness Distribution](/reference/terrain/distributions/terrain/roughness.md), which has a darker tone.

<div><figure><img src="/files/OFMpWaTXWXmiWnQ72Yoq" alt=""><figcaption><p>Base Gradient</p></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="/files/jX7DNvcJXCy7wVSehT6x" alt=""><figcaption><p>Melt distribution gradient</p></figcaption></figure></div>

<div><figure><img src="/files/XfPoaGC3fAOuywM1kxsa" alt=""><figcaption><p>Terrace Gradient</p></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="/files/8Hjqwa8MxXBufB9HNORD" alt=""><figcaption><p>Dirt Gradient</p></figcaption></figure></div>


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