3ds Max 2018: Mastering UVW Mapping
Overview
Learn how to use the UVW mapping tools in 3ds Max 2018 to map 3D models for texturing.
UVW mapping is a coordinate mapping technique that enables artists to project 2D textures onto the surfaces of 3D objects. It's a key skill for all areas of the 3D industry, including film, gaming, and visualization. This course helps designers map geometry in preparation for texturing, using the powerful UVW mapping feature set in 3ds Max 2018, including the UVW Map modifier, UVW Editor, and Blended Box Map.
Instructor Joel Bradley explains what UVWs are, how they affect textures, and why they are needed. He also reviews the different mapping spaces that are available and how procedural maps are used in texturing. Then he progresses to the hands-on portion of the course, starting with mapping simple shapes and models with the UVW modifier. He also reviews advanced topics, such as unwrapping and editing UVs with the UVW Editor. Finally, he introduces blended box mapping, for when you need to get a model ready for texturing quickly.
UVW mapping is a coordinate mapping technique that enables artists to project 2D textures onto the surfaces of 3D objects. It's a key skill for all areas of the 3D industry, including film, gaming, and visualization. This course helps designers map geometry in preparation for texturing, using the powerful UVW mapping feature set in 3ds Max 2018, including the UVW Map modifier, UVW Editor, and Blended Box Map.
Instructor Joel Bradley explains what UVWs are, how they affect textures, and why they are needed. He also reviews the different mapping spaces that are available and how procedural maps are used in texturing. Then he progresses to the hands-on portion of the course, starting with mapping simple shapes and models with the UVW modifier. He also reviews advanced topics, such as unwrapping and editing UVs with the UVW Editor. Finally, he introduces blended box mapping, for when you need to get a model ready for texturing quickly.
Syllabus
Introduction
- Welcome
- What you should know
- Exercise files
- 3ds Max project structure
- Gamma handling
- What are UVW coordinates?
- Understanding the UV space
- Displaying viewport maps correctly
- Auto-generated UVs
- The UVW Map modifier, part 1
- The UVW Map modifier, part 2
- Working with the UVW gizmo
- Real-world mapping sizes
- How to clear out UVs and materials
- The Coordinates rollout
- Working in world space
- Working in object space
- Working with explicit map channels
- XYZ to UVW method
- Using map channels
- Working with vertex color channels
- The UVW Unwrap modifier
- Selection tools
- Edit UVs rollout
- Peel mapping tools
- How pelt mapping works
- Using the pelt mapping controls
- Quick transforms for UV layout
- Reshape UV elements
- The Stitch rollout
- Mapping with smoothing groups
- Relaxing UVs
- The Arrange Elements tool set
- Multi-tile UVs (UDIMs)
- Rendering our UV layout
- What is Blended Box mapping?
- The blending controls
- Working with maps
- Using the projection options
- How transforms affect our projections
- Next steps
Taught by
Joel Bradley
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