I didn't know if this was a place to ask but here it goes. I heard alot about UV Mapper and what it does but what I was wondering, if that was the program to make very nice textures for any model? If it is, is it hard to use? I want to buy it but need some feedback. I really enjoy StephanieBT's textures she uses on her models. I was wondering if she uses UV Mapper. TIA. Adrian

Attached Link: http://www.uvmapper.com

Hi anon,

Why not ...

Get UVMapper Classic (it's free) and try it out with no risk.

Or get the demo version of UVMapper Pro. Holiday cheers,
dr geep
;=] Edited to add some additional Holiday cheer. ;=]

Message edited on: 12/22/2005 11:25

I use UVMapper pro quite a lot,. It's not that hard to learn, and it's definitely worth it. But as Geep says, try the free version first. (I think sams3d has a tutorial on using it, too).

Thank you guys so much:-) Adrian

Bear in mind that you create the actual texture map images themselves in any paint program and UVMapper is used to adjust a model's mapping layout pattern. It allows you to assign where each of the model's polygon faces will derive their texture from what specific location within any texture map - how the texture map "decal" is geographically laid out and how it should be wrapped around the model if you will.

Stepping on UVDan's toes there Dr. Geep. I understand he could use a coordinator. :)

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Is there another uv mapper program out there?I use to have two,I have the uvmapper program you reference here,But after a few years and hard drives,I lost the other one.I think it Might have been from Steve Cox,I'm not sure.Anybody know of this other uvmapper program?Thanks.

@ bandolin

re: " Stepping on UVDan's toes there Dr. Geep."

Sorry, I do not understand what you mean.

Can you explain please?

cheers, dr geep ;=?

dmartin, that is the one by Steve Cox. There aree 2 versions of it, the one in that tutorial is the free version, then there's UVmapper Pro, which sells for about $50.

Message edited on: 12/22/2005 21:05

@geep: UVDan is the moderator in the UVMapper forum.

Thanks bandolin, but geep is not stepping on my toes. I appreciate the help. Now if I could only find out why you figure I could use a coordinator. Anonymous1 please go ahead and download the free version geep used. It is called UV Mapper Classic. You can use it for lots of things, however the Pro version has the bells and whistles that make your mapping easier and with greater feedback. After you have used the classic version for a while, you will see what a bargain the Pro version is. I love the tuts geep. You must take alot of time on them.

I bought the pro version about a year ago, and I'm definitely glad I did.

I give up I can't understand how to use UV Mapper. I came here to read more about it and now I understand a little bit more about what UV Mapper does. I wasn't aware that I had to use a painting program to introduce colors and textures. I had no idea. I guess I don't understand the concept of Mapper and what it actually does. I will definetly try to understand it more. And another question, how do I make an actual texture to apply to a model? Thanks to all that are helping me. Im so frustrated but willing to learn. Right now I have a headache in my eye. Adrian

Message edited on: 12/22/2005 23:41

In order to apply textures to a model, you have to define where each pixel on a two-dimensional map will fall on the three-dimensional model. In order to do that, you have to create a UV map, which takes the three-dimensional wireframe model and "flattens" it into two dimensions. Once you make the UV map, you can use it as a guide to paint a texture in a paint program. Usually what people do is take the UV template into Photoshop or a similar program that you can work with layers. Textures are added on layers above the template so that they get applied in the right place. Hope that helps.

Attached Link: HERE ARE SOME BASIC TUTS

UV Mapping is like making a coloring book. When you have your page of templates laid out, then you paint on it. The trick of UV Mapping is to choose a projection that will eliminate distortion and allow easy painting of your textures. Flat areas will be mapped PLANAR. Surfaces like arms, legs, sleeves of shirts , etc. are usually mapped CYLINDRICAL. Globe shaped objects are mapped SPHERICALLY. It takes longer to explain it than it does to download the program and start using it. The main thing is to be able to select areas of your model and assign them to groups and materials. The Pro version, of course gives you more sophisticated selection tools.

Any word on the Mac port of UV mapper Pro? I'm about to get a PC just so I can use it...

Attached Link: Is UV Mapper Pro being ported to Macs?