Adding texture to your 3D models in Maya is a crucial step in enhancing their realism and adding depth to your creations. Here's a beginner's guide to help you get started.

1. UV Mapping: Before adding texture, it's important to ensure that your 3D model has proper UV mapping. This is the process of unwrapping the 3D model's surface to create a 2D representation, which allows you to apply textures accurately.

2. Create or Import Textures: In Maya, you can create your own textures using the built-in tools, or import existing textures from external sources. There are various types of textures such as color, bump, displacement, and specular maps, each serving a different purpose in defining the surface properties of your model.

3. Assigning Textures: Once you have your textures ready, you can assign them to the specific surfaces of your 3D model. In Maya, this can be done by selecting the desired surface, opening the Hypershade editor, and connecting the texture nodes to the appropriate material attributes.

4. Adjusting Texture Attributes: Maya provides a range of options to customize the appearance of your textures. You can adjust attributes such as color, transparency, bump depth, and specular intensity to achieve the desired look for your model.

5. Test and Refine: After applying textures, it's important to constantly test and refine the look of your 3D model. Maya offers real-time rendering capabilities, allowing you to see the effects of your texture adjustments immediately.

6. Light and Shadows: Textures interact with lighting to create realistic effects. Experiment with different lighting setups in Maya to see how your textures respond to various light sources and shadow patterns.

7. Exporting: Once you're satisfied with the texture appearance, you can proceed to export your 3D model with textures applied. Maya provides various file formats for exporting, depending on your intended use of the model.

By following these steps, you can effectively add texture to your 3D models in Maya and elevate the visual appeal of your creations. Remember that mastering texture application takes practice and experimentation, so don't be afraid to explore the diverse tools and features that Maya has to offer.