UV mapping without pain

UVs are where most 3D models quietly fail. A few habits prevent most of the pain.

Seams first

Place seams where the eye does not look: back edges, under surfaces, along hard creases. Cut the minimum number of seams that let the surface unfold flat.

Packing and density

Keep texel density consistent across parts so textures read evenly. Pack with small margins to avoid bleeding, and orient shells in the same direction where possible for cleaner normal maps.

Frequently asked questions