UV unwrapping workflow

[Anonymous]

Hello guys,

I have a question to ask regarding UV unwrapping in Maya.

I have modelled an object using smooth mesh preview mode (3 key) and I was wondering what is the workflow for unwrapping / texturing a smooth preview object? The low poly UV unwrap changes slightly when smooth preview is switched on and ends up using textures close to that area.

I have thought of 3 different workflow/ solution but I am unsure which of these is the correct workflow.

Do I convert the model to a sub D model and exporting that to a 3d texturing package (substance painter) and once the texture map is done, I just use the texture onto the smooth mesh preview model?

Or do I add in extra edge loops for texture display purposes?

Or do I convert the model to a sub d model “convert smooth mesh preview to poly” before unwrapping?

[Anonymous]

Hello guys,

I have a question to ask regarding UV unwrapping in Maya.

I have modelled an object using smooth mesh preview mode (3 key) and I was wondering what is the workflow for unwrapping / texturing a smooth preview object? The low poly UV unwrap changes slightly when smooth preview is switched on and ends up using textures close to that area.

I have thought of 3 different workflow/ solution but I am unsure which of these is the correct workflow.

Do I convert the model to a sub D model and exporting that to a 3d texturing package (substance painter) and once the texture map is done, I just use the texture onto the smooth mesh preview model?

Or do I add in extra edge loops for texture display purposes?

Or do I convert the model to a sub d model “convert smooth mesh preview to poly” before unwrapping?

[sean.heasley · Accepted solution]

Hi @Anonymous 

You don't want to UV map the smooth preview of a model.

If you're going to UV map your current model you'll either want to keep it low poly or go to Mesh->Smooth and then UV map the now smoothed version of the model.

If you need more assistance please feel free to attach the scene file here or via dropbox/google drive or another file sharing program so I can take a look at it.

[sean.heasley]

Hi @Anonymous 

Just wanted to check in to see how things were going. Are you still having this issue?

If your issue is resolved, please click Accept as Solution on the posts that helped you so others in the community can find them easily.

[Anonymous]

Thank you so much, this does seem like a better method.

If you don't mind me asking, what is the difference between smooth and convert to "smooth mesh preview to polygon within maya? I have never actually used the smooth function before.

Thanks again.

[sean.heasley · Accepted solution]

Hi @Anonymous 

The smooth preview is just a preview of how the model will look but its not actually accurate for the wireframe which will in turn be the UVs you are mapping.

Actually using the smooth tool will make the model look like how it does in the preview permanently and will greatly increase the polygon count. This is used to make very detailed models especially when trying to achieve a realistic look.