Preserve UVs does not work

[Beka_Tchigladze]

Hello 

So I want to model some door, I created plane and give material and start modelling but face distorting during modeling I tried to insert some polygons inside door but it scaling downs material  turn on also preserve UV command bu does not work What is the reason?

[10DSpace]

Hi @Beka_Tchigladze 

I am not sure if you have seen the following "fine print" in the max Documentation concerning Preserve UVs:

From : https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/3ds-max/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2016/ENU/3DSMa...

Tip: For best results with Preserve UVs at the vertex level, use it for limited vertex editing. For example, you'll usually have no trouble moving a vertex within edge or face constraints. Also, it's better to perform one big move than several smaller moves, as multiple small moves can begin to distort the mapping. If, however, you need to perform extensive geometry editing while preserving mapping, use the Channel Info utility instead.

I have also come across a limit to what you can change without some movement of the texture as well.   In my experience the preserve UVs work much better when you add edges for example, but is less tolerant of moving verts or edges too much.  I can't say I have seen a completely logical pattern as to when a change is no longer "protected" by preserve UVs.  But it also matters that you select preserve UVs first before making any changes.  It is not retroactive; I couldn't tell from the wording of your post whether you were applying preserve UVs after making some changes or not. 

[Beka_Tchigladze]

I use first changes and after preserve uv and vise versa but nothing happened, also there is very strange setting in Preserve UV settings there is nothing on left hand side in the list.

[10DSpace]

also there is very strange setting in Preserve UV settings there is nothing on left hand side in the list.

 I have the same dialogue box, I don't think there is anything wrong with it.  It is for vertex color channels on the lsft side which if you haven't set any up nothing will show. 

Regarding your issue, how are you adding the extra polygons to your mesh after checking "preserve UVs"?    If you simply select 2 opposing edges of your mesh and connect them with Preserve UVs on do you get any change to the texture map, or does Preserve UV's work then?  Also, what is your ultimate objective in adding more polygons to the mesh? 

[Beka_Tchigladze]

so If I use connect command it works properly but if I use insert it does not why? I need insert and not connect.

[10DSpace]

so If I use connect command it works properly but if I use insert it does not why?

Sorry, I cannot explain why it is not working in your case.  I cannot replicate your problem with Inset (or insert edges)  and Preserve UV's with Max 2017, 2019 or 2020.  Do you happen to be using an older version of Max?   

Do you get the issue if you do the following steps in this order: 

1. start with a new plane (do not scale it, just create it the right size to begin with)

2. then assign the edit poly modifier or convert it to an editable poly

3. assign your material

4. check Preserve UV's

5. Use Inset as you want

Post a screenshot of the result showing any distortion you are experiencing after the preceeding steps.

I need insert and not connect.

In Max there are usually many different ways to achieve the same thing.  So the reason I asked you what your  ultimate purpose was in adding geometry after assigning a material to it (most of the time you are better off finalizing the geometry first and then assigning a material), is to help identify a way to achieve the result you want given whatever limitations may exist with the Preserve UVs function in the version of Max you are using and your particular workflow. 

[Beka_Tchigladze]

my max is 2013, I need to add material because I want to sculpt the door after assigning material with it edges and etc.

I am beginner in max and sorry if I did not do something I donot know too much in this software.

 I made same steps one by one and get same result as before

[10DSpace · Accepted solution]

Hi @Beka_Tchigladze 

No problem, we all start as beginners at some point in everything.   So now that I understand what you are trying to do, there is a MUCH better way to do this in Max.

Essentially you will use the unaltered image plane as a guide for your poly modeling on a separate editable poly.  This is a simple and classic modeling technique in max that gives you complete freedom form any worry about the UVs of your image plane guide.  The steps are below:

1. Create the plane with the image as you did before and Name it "Image Guide Plane" or something similar.

2. Clone the plane as a copy (not  an instance)to create an exact copy in the same place and name it  "Door".

3. Select the Image Guide Plane and right click to select Object Properties;  Select "Freeze" and make sure that  show frozen in grey Is not selected (uncheck it if it is), (see image below); This will make sure that your guide plane will be visible but that you  do not accidentally move it while modeling.

4. Select the "Door"  Plane and convert to an editable poly if not already.  Assign a new standard grey material to it ( to remove the image of the door).  Right click on the Door poly and select Object Properties. Then select See-Through under  Display properties.  

Now you should be able to model freely with all of the poly modeling tools adding edges where you want using the image guide plane as a guide.  This gets around the limitations of the preserve UVs option and is a much better way to create new geometry.  When you are done modeling just uncheck See-Through under display properties of the door  and you are ready to Unwrap UV and assign a texture.  I hope this solves your issue.  

[domo.spaji]

Apply Poly Select modifier  and UVW Map modifier to your Plane

and keep them on top in modifier stack.

Toggle on Show end result and do whatever you want whit Edit Poly and/or other modifiers below  Poly Select modifier  and UVW Map modifier...