UV Mapping (do I copy objects?)

#1

My Finely-feathered Friends!

I’ve always wondered about this, and I’m finally asking…

When you UV map an obect…and said object has multiple objects that are identical or extremely similar to one another, do you UV map one of the objects, then copy it so you have the UV map of said object?

I’ve always for safety just completely UV mapped the new object just in case.

Take the well I’m working on. The support structure on one side is (nearly) identical to the other side. Can I UV map all the objects on one side, then copy that group to the other side…and use the UV’s?

Bear in mind that there MAY be very small differences in the two groups…tweaking one side to be slightly difference for random differences, etc…

ALSO - should I UV map an object right after I model it? Will this save time, and is it a better workflow? Usually I model everything, then UV map…

Thanks for the help in advance! Love you guys.


Well UV Q 1

#2

yeah thats done often. you can also keep the UVs overlapped and just rotate one of the duplicates to hide the fact that it’s got the same texture or move the duplicate’s UVs to have a different texture. if you keep the UVs overlapped you won’t be able to bake maps very well.