To speed up texture minimization for 3D models, focus on reducing resolution, using efficient compression, and removing unused data.
Lower texture resolution (e.g., 4K to 2K) cuts GPU memory usage. Use formats like BC7 (desktop) or ASTC (mobile)—they compress files without significant quality loss. Trim unused channels (like alpha for opaque objects) or duplicate maps to streamline performance.
For beginners, start with built-in tool settings: Blender’s “Reduce Resolution” or Substance Painter’s “Export Presets” help balance speed and visual quality quickly.