3ds Max: UVW Mapping

2h 33mIntermediate2014-11-11

Authors

Joel Bradley

3D Artist, Trainer on 3ds Max and Maya

Course details

UVW mapping allows you to take a mathematical, coordinate-based approach to mapping 2D textures to irregular 3D objects in 3ds Max. The tools might seem complex, but this course will help you master them and put UVW mapping to work in your own projects. Author Joel Bradley starts with the basics—defining UVW space and coordinates—and introduces the UVW Map modifier, the key to applying map coordinates and adjusting map placement. From there he looks at the source wrapping options in the bitmap and procedural map nodes, and at the differences when mapping to static and animated meshes. Chapter three covers the powerful Unwrap UVW modifier and its selection, peel-, and pelt-mapping tools. The course concludes with an overview of the options in the Edit UVW window.

Learning objectives
What are UVW coordinates?
Understanding UVW space
Autogenerating coordinates
Using map channels
Working with the World XYZ and Object XYZ systems
Peel and pelt mapping
Reshaping UV elements
Relaxing UVs
Rendering out a UV template

Skills covered

3ds Max3D AnimationRenderingMotion Graphics and VFXAutodesk3D ModelingVisualization and Real-TimeAECProduct and ManufacturingAnimation and IllustrationDeep Dive (X:Y)

Concepts

0. Introduction

01 - Welcome
02 - What you should know
03 - Exercise files
04 - The 3ds Max project structure
05 - Gamma handling
06 - Displaying maps in the viewport

1. UVW Mapping Basics

07 - What exactly are UVW coordinates
08 - Understanding UVW space
09 - Autogenerated coordinates - Are they good or bad
10 - The UVW Map modifier - Part one
11 - The UVW Map modifier - Part two
12 - Working with the UVW gizmo
13 - Using map channels
14 - Using Real-World Map Size

2. Digging a little deeper

15 - The Coordinates rollout
16 - World XYZ
17 - Object XYZ
18 - Working with explicit mapping
19 - Using the XYZ to UVW option

3. Unwrap UVW Modifier Controls

20 - Overview of the Unwrap UVW modifier
21 - Selection tools
22 - The Edit UVs rollout
23 - Peel-mapping tools
24 - How pelt mapping works
25 - Using the pelt-mapping controls

4. The Edit UVW Interface

26 - Quick transforms for UV layouts
27 - The Reshape Elements rollout
28 - The Stitch rollout
29 - The Explode rollout - Part one
30 - The Explode rollout - Part two
31 - Relaxing UVs
32 - Rendering out a UV template

Conclusion

33 - What's next