Procedural textures are generated via algorithms, while image-based textures use pre-made image files; their key differences lie in creation method, flexibility, and resource usage.
Procedural textures rely on mathematical formulas, making them resolution-independent (no pixelation when scaled) and easy to adjust via parameters (e.g., modifying a stone texture’s roughness or pattern density). Image-based textures are bitmap/raster files (e.g., JPEG, PNG), with detail fixed to their original resolution (may pixelate when scaled), ideal for applying real-world material photos (e.g., wooden planks, fabric swatches).
Typical use cases: Procedural textures suit editable, scalable patterns (e.g., brick walls, terrain heightmaps); image-based textures excel at realistic, photo-derived details (e.g., rusted metal).
Choose procedural for adaptability to model scales or frequent tweaks; image-based for quick, photo-realistic results with minimal setup.