I have a question (or maybe problem) with UV Mapper: I'm trying to break apart a models materials so I can make separate templates. However, whenever I try, I get an error in UV Mapper saying "unknown file can not be found". Here's what happens:

• Open UV Mapper
• Load a model, for example, Vicky: blMilWom.obj
• Select the head materials: Eyebrows, SkinHead, etc.
• Resize the selected materials into a "blank" section.
• File > Save Texture Map and set the height and width to 2000x2000.
• Give the image a name and click ok. Normally, this should save a bmp image, 2000x2000 with only the head materials. But, now I get a message saying "There is a selection active. Save changes now?" -If I click yes, the image map is saved with every material and with the selected head materials resized. -If I click no, I get an an error message saying "an unnamed file was not found." Does anyone have any good ideas on what's going on? I'm using the latest UVMapper (free version) on Windows XP Pro. As a work-around, I can select the materials, do a "print screen", paste the image into Photoshop, and then trim it. But, it would be a lot easier if I could just save the texture maps for each material directly from UV Mapper. --John

I think you get that error message because you have something selected. If you want to have different texture templates for different parts of the object, do this: 1. Select the part(s) you want on the texture template, then go to Select/Display/Hide Unselected. Deselect all. 2. Save the texture template and be sure to check "Exclude hidden facets". 3. Now go to Select/Display/Show to display all the parts again. Select the next part(s) you want to texture separately and do the same steps (1-2) as before. HTH! Sue

Unless you are changing your obj NEVER EVER change anything in uvmapper. Your templates will NOT match your model, so there is no point. All you need to do is turn off visibility for the groups/materials you do not want, and then 'save template'. It should have an option for saving hidden materials in the template or not. (choose not)

Any good tutorials out there? :) Mac-based would be nice...

I think you get that error message because you have something selected. Well, yes, I have the selected material selected. :) >i?Unless you are changing your obj NEVER EVER change anything in uvmapper. Your templates will NOT match your model, so there is no point. Actually, the method of resizing the head materials into an "empty space" and then saving the selection is part of tutorial on how to make textures for Vicky. I have no idea how it works, but when you save the resized head materials (to a 2000x2000 bmp image), it maps perfectly onto Vicky's head... without re-saving the obj file. However, this could be due to the fact that the template for Vicky is a square to begin with, so resizing and saving doesn't have any effect... as long as it's proportionally a square. I tried the suggestion to click on "Exclude Hidden facets" when saving the file... and it worked perfectly! The resulting image map was only the one material! Thanks! Now I can texture my models a lot easier. Maybe I'll remap my TARDIS in the Free Stuff... or maybe the picture frames... --John

You're welcome; I'm glad it worked for you. About the error message, what I meant was that nothing should be selected when you are saving the texture map otherwise you'll get that message. Have fun remapping! Sue