3ds Max: UVW Mapping

Learn how to master the UVW mapping tools in 3ds Max and map 2D textures to complex 3D objects.

Introduction

• Welcome
• What you should know
• Exercise files
• The 3ds Max project structure
• Gamma handling
• Displaying maps in the viewport

1. UVW Mapping Basics

• What exactly are UVW coordinates?
• Understanding UVW space
• Autogenerated coordinates: Are they good or bad?
• The UVW Map modifier: Part one
• The UVW Map modifier: Part two
• Working with the UVW gizmo
• Using map channels
• Using Real-World Map Size

2. Digging a little deeper

• The Coordinates rollout
• World XYZ
• Object XYZ
• Working with explicit mapping
• Using the XYZ to UVW option

3. Unwrap UVW Modifier Controls

• Overview of the Unwrap UVW modifier
• Selection tools
• The Edit UVs rollout
• Peel-mapping tools
• How pelt mapping works
• Using the pelt-mapping controls

4. The Edit UVW Interface

• Quick transforms for UV layouts
• The Reshape Elements rollout
• The Stitch rollout
• The Explode rollout: Part one
• The Explode rollout: Part two
• Relaxing UVs
• Rendering out a UV template

Conclusion

• What's next?