I have quite a few interesting geometry bits on my disk but no real use as they all lack propper UV Mapping.
ZBrush is the only program able to attach mapping at all (GUV/AUV) but if applied, we all know that regular textures fail as they are fragged all over the mesh.
Now, with the latest release of UVLayout (www.uvlayout.com) and the freshly added (two days now) ‘straight edge’ function it is possible not only to UVMap organic characters but also twisted more formal geometry which relies on propper fit of texture along straight seams. The seams with the straight edge applied are seamless and without distortions known from other pelt mappers. In the dollowing sample the mesh was cut along the entire length and twice radial. You won’t see any of the seams.
I tried BodyPaint, Modo, XSI, And a french Product. None, comes close to UVLayout.
A demo is available. Right now the product is in public beta. Since I own it, it has been updated on a regular basis with new functions and if there has been a little quirk it has been fixed the day after. It is absolutely stable. I used it with meshes up to 40K polygons. Which is a crazy amount for UV mapping…
Here is the result with the straight edge function and a knot. No distortions, no seams. I’m very happy.
Lemo
PS:TExture consists out of wood pannels. The small edges you see are the boards out of which the texture consists.
