@hardvibez (hardvibez) posted a new topic, subject "Help unwrapping my complex shape". It read:

   I've stumbled across a shape that I'm finding a pain to UVW unwrap in 3D Studio max, and wondered if you guys could assist me in the most effective way of unwrapping this particular object.
    
    Help would be greatly appreciated.
    
    Thank you

Then @musashidan (musashidan) said

    post an image of the object in question.

Then @hardvibez (hardvibez) said

    I did upload images first post but didn't seem to show up.

Then @musashidan (musashidan) said

    it's essentially a box and 2 cylinders so just cut your seams to reflect this. Unwrap them, position them, and stitch them back together where appropriate.

After which, @scrimski (scrimski) added

    There's nothing complex about it. I'd go even father than musashidan and just apply one cylindrical mapping.  
    Start with unwrapping the flat surfaces using the Flatten Mapping command.  
    the topology on the top square can be optimized, I'd do this before unwrapping.

@hardvibez (hardvibez) replied

    It's complex for me as I'm just starting out. I've unwrapped the cubic shape no problem but cutting seams at each corner to flatten it out.
    
    When it comes to the cylindrical shapes when I apply a cylindrical unwrap it distorts into some wierd wavy shape. Should I cut seams anywhere or am I missing something here?

After which, @scrimski (scrimski) added

    > When it comes to the cylindrical shapes when I apply a cylindrical unwrap it distorts into some wierd wavy shape. Should I cut seams anywhere or am I missing something here?
    
    That's OK. You'l need at least one seam. Think of it like falttening out a paper tube. Without cutting it at some point you won't get a perfect flat shape.
    
    Apply a checker map to the object, if the checker map distorts you need to fix those parts, if not you are good.
    
    Post an image.

So @hardvibez (hardvibez) replied

    scrimski:
    
    > That's OK. You'l need at least one seam. Think of it like falttening out a paper tube. Without cutting it at some point you won't get a perfect flat shape.
    > 
    > Apply a checker map to the object, if the checker map distorts you need to fix those parts, if not you are good.
    > 
    > Post an image.
    
    Thank you for your understanding :). I run into this problem alot I don't know where to put seams on cylindrical objects.
    
    I also get uneven spacing between my checker like this and don't know how to fix it.

Then @scrimski (scrimski) said

    It's pretty straight forward.  
    First thing I noticed sthat your checker is distorted in height.  
    You also have distortions around that ring part.
    
    I'd first apply a cylindrical mapping, either in the unwrap ore beforehand.  
    This should fix a lot of issues, mainly the distortion of the ring parts.
    
    Try that and se how that works.

So @hardvibez (hardvibez) replied

    I'm sorry but I don't understand, This was a cylindrical map it still distorts around the tight parts.

Then @scrimski (scrimski) said

    You'll need to check the Cap checkbox for the cylindrical mapping

So @hardvibez (hardvibez) replied

    So I should apply a UVW Map modifier aswell as an Unwrap UVW Modifier?

To which @scrimski (scrimski) replied

    If ther's no cap option for the cylindrical mapp in the unwrap I'd do so.

@scrimski (scrimski) replied

    If there's no cap option for the cylindrical mapp in the unwrap I'd do so.

To which @CGTalk_Moderation (CGTalk_Moderation) replied

    This thread has been automatically closed as it remained inactive for 12 months. If you wish to continue the discussion, please create a new thread in the appropriate forum.


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