A Uvmapping question

[Stroker]

What software?

[Azure_Magi]

Currently 3dsm 5 im lookin into light wave. i just want something somewhat simple to understand.

[EricChadwick]

Here's one way.
http://www.planetquake.com/polycount/cottages/pixelated/tut02.shtml

Here's another.
http://www.3dtotal.com/ffa/tutorials/max/UVW_mapping_an_object/UVW_mapping_an_object1.asp

[Azure_Magi]

thanks ill take a good look :)

[leigh]

LW has a UV mapping option called Atlas which does exactly this. However the problem with them is that you have LOADS of seams to cover up.

[vorlon]

I just figure out how to UV map a character 24 hours ago :)

I am learning LW, and you basically make a morph of your character, unweld all vertices, and spread them out like your picture. Then you use that as a template, and map them back, and allow the data pass back to the original model.

Of course, you'll have to figure out how to deal with seams...

Even you use Max, I know you have a morph modifier that does similar things.

I recommend you read the Menithing UV tutorial, it should give you some idea.

[EricChadwick]

That flattening method is really time-consuming though, and has been replaced by most people with the use of better UV tools. Besides being time-intensive, if you somehow mess up your vertex order or count, you have to start over. It isn't very forgiving.

But really, it comes down to what you are most comfortable with.

[dead_eye]

what tools do you recommoned posm :)? that flattening method used by Croteam really confuses me :wip:.

[EricChadwick]

Since I use 3ds max v5, I work similar to the method in the first link I posted. Works well for me.

Sometimes I use other methods, like lofted UVs if I'm using a Loft, or sometimes Texture Layers (http://www.mankua.com) for more complex shapes.

But it is up to what works best for you. Some people DO like the flatten-mesh method, like vorlon. Here's a tutorial for 3ds max v2 (http://www.cschell.com/skinmaxtut.html) that explains it a bit more in depth.

Here's another method (http://www.davidtitusproductions.com/bw/tutorial_uv.html), adjusting the shape of a model to match the uv gizmo better.

Yet another one (http://www.kniffen.ca/index.php?target=tutorials/texture/UV1.php), using relax on the mesh to conform it to the uv gizmo.

Got lots of these links lying around.

[leigh]

dead_eye, if you read your LW manual, you'll find all of this explained.

[dead_eye]

i know, what can i say :)?. i'm a boOb, oops i mean a noOb :scream:.
thanks for the links posm.
cheers

[lithik]

contact kazaa support please :bounce:

[EricChadwick]

huh?

[Shane]

I use UnwrapUVW in Max, and DeepUV from RightHemisphere.com

You can download a demo of DeepUV hereDeep UV (http://www.righthemisphere.com/products/duv/index.htm) . Try it out it has the best relax function out there right now, as far as I know. It will unfold and relax the uv's at the same time, which is awesome. I usually map chucks of the model I want to relax in max, and send them into Deep UV to relax. As log as you give it geometry that it can relax good, it does an awesome job. Say if you want to relax an arm, you need to do cylindrical mapping on it first to place the seam down the arm, then you can relax that and it will do a great job.

Try it out, It saves me LOADS of time.

Also Try out DeepPaint2, it is awesome for fixing any seam you need to fix.


Deep Paint 2 Demo (http://www.righthemisphere.com/products/dp3d/index.htm)

Enjoy!

[lithik]

posm it was a joke :) :beer:

[EricChadwick]

Oh, warez joke I guess.

[dead_eye]

Originally posted by lithik
contact kazaa support please :bounce:

the fox is always the first to smell his own hole.
like my joke too? :beer:

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