UV mapping texture software

[amorp]

Hi to all,
i guess UV mapping texture issue in Sketchup has already raised not once,
i would like to hear personal recommendations relay on your experiences about UV mapping texture software,

both free and for purchase - there are programs about same price(more or less 60$),so it's hard to decide without listening people who used this programs and could say what they prefer to use with Sketchup - import/export to Sketchup.

and another question to compare plugins for organic modelling - compare Artisan with Tgi3D Amorph(i know that Artisan costs less) - would like to hear about organic modelling capabilities of both programs

Thanks a lot

[Rich O Brien]

@amorp said:

i would like to hear personal recommendations relay on your experiences about UV mapping texture software,

and another question to compare plugins for organic modelling - compare Artisan with Tgi3D Amorph(i know that Artisan costs less) - would like to hear about organic modelling capabilities of both programs

There's no better personal experience than trialing each one. Most developers will extend a trial if they feel a sale is possible.

Ultimate Unwrap 3D is a good inexpensive option. But high learning curve.
UV Layout 2 Pro is another good tool that's easy to use and powerful.

Comparing Artisan and TGI3D is like comparing American Football and English Football. Completely different animals. Both very powerful and feature rich.

[amorp]

Thanks a lot!!
Ultimate Unwrap 3D and UV Layout 2 Pro are both import/export to Sketchup effectively?

Thanks again

[Rich O Brien]

UU3D imports/exports .skp and lots of other filetypes. Its actually a great file converter too!

UV Layout 2 is used in conjunction with UV Tool Pro Beta plugin. But it's so easy its criminal

[amorp]

I will check it out.
Thanks

[solo]

@unknownuser said:

UV Layout 2 is used in conjunction with UV Tool Pro Beta plugin. But it's so easy its criminal

Rich, I know we have Skyped this before and indeed it looked very easy, I have not had a need for this in a while and have forgotten how you did it, would you mind doing a tutorial when you have the time, I can supply a nice medium poly organic model for the tut if you'd like.

[Rich O Brien]

Model please?

[solo]

First is an easy one, a table cloth (very quick model, not to any scale) I supplied the texture also.

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UV test.skp

[Rich O Brien]

What's up with the edges around the centre? Anyway I'll knock something out.

[solo]

I used Artisan...

Here is another, more complicated, it's a bed spread drape in which I used Artisan, TGI and cleanup, this is what I'd use more than often to create such models, yet UV mapping it is almost impossible in SU. Also not to scale.

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bed spread uv test.skp

[Rich O Brien]

Better file
[flash=800,600:jx9kkg0t]http://www.youtube.com/v/tHGgXlSxRLA[/flash:jx9kkg0t]

[numbthumb]

Rich, I would also like to know how do you UV map such irregular shapes, I mean where do you hide the seams?

[solo]

Okay, you mapped it and you can whistle

Can you show how it's done?

[Rich O Brien]

It was a test before I record the process to see if it's what you want. I'll record it now.

[Rich O Brien]

Here you go cranky pants...

[flash=800,600:3lxjfqo1]http://www.youtube.com/v/q4nDnSg0hgo[/flash:3lxjfqo1]

[amorp]

Thanks a lot
From question comparing UV mapping software, it grows to video tutorial

[Rich O Brien]

Glad you got some info from it.

Pete?

[solo]

Great stuff Rich, I had that app at one time until I formatted my drive two months ago, need to get it again and use your tutorial and see if I can get a similar result.

[Rich O Brien]

Well, I just brushed the surface here of what this can do. Let me know if there's anything else you need