ZBrushCentral

Hard Sufrace UVs

ZBrush Usage Questions
#1

Hi guys,

Right now I’m working with a gun model but have a hard time on unwrapping its UV, since UVMaster didn’t quite work well with a hard surface object.
I’m using Max 2010 , is there any good way (I’ pretty sure there’s no EASY way of unwrapping UVs :lol:) on doing this? some kind of tutorials/ just tips and trick from your experiences working on this situation before?..
I’ve been struggling with Pelt/ Planar mapping on Unwrap UVW Modifier today, unfortunately still not getting good results for now…or is that the “correct” way on doing this task?..with trial and error?
UV and texturing is still my weakest point on doing 3d work… :o
As always, any suggestion will much appreciated! :slight_smile:

PS: It’s not a low poly model, I’m trying to unwrap here.

_Revel

#2

Have you tried creating Polygroups for each of the bits so that you may have more control over how each descreet part unwraps?

#3

Woops, how come I never think of that…the polygroups!
But then, is it necessary (or close to) to have all lines in the UV layout to be straight 0deg/ 90degs? because now I can feel my workflow abit more faster then before, but since UVMaster will create somewhat “organic” feel to the UV, I just need to tweak, stitch and realign those stuffs in Max :slight_smile:

Thank you! will ask some more question if I have one after I try this! :wink:

_Revel

#4

i dunno, i don’t find UV unwrapping to be nearly as troublesome as most people make it out to be… a hard surface object is a lot of planar unwrapping, relaxing, sewing… depends on what your needs are. i think most people spend more time looking for an easy way to do things rather than just doing it and getting it over with :slight_smile:

#5

Lol…I like your answer man!
Its probably because I never done any UV for this type of things before, and its kinda freak me out a little when the words “ok, lets try unwrap this thing!” pops in my head.
Enough said, lets go back to Max and -as what you said- getting it over with! :lol:

_Revel

#6

Btw, have anyone of you guys try out TexTools for unwrapping UVs?..I found it when I’m doing research about hard surface unwrapping. It looks awesome tool sets and best of all its free! :wink:
Haven’t tried out yet myself, but soon I’ll install it to my Max.

Cheers
_Revel

#7

Another under used tool in 3ds max unwrap uvw is the point to point seam tool. Many people only use it with pelt maps, but they can be used to define areas to unwrap for planar, cylindrical, etc mapping in a very clean and targeted way. Used with the expand face selection to seams command (in the same rollout as point to point seams under edit seams), the appropriate mapping mode for each section, and relax where needed you can get great results fast on just about any model, hard surface or organic.