headus 3D tools

[munderwood]

I'm pretty new to UV mapping, but from what I've heard, it's good to optimize UV space as much as possible. I can't seem to get everything packed as tight as it should be. I'll attach a picture below, please tell me what I can do to optimize this map. I also tried turning on AutoFit an that doesn't seem to work, the red box just stays where it was. Thanks for the help!

[headus]

Your problem there is that large shell that spans from side to side; its stopping the box going smaller which you need to get tighter packing. It looks like you could probably split that shell into two halves without introducing too many more seams (its only connected at one edge in the middle) and then you should get better packing.

Also keep in mind that the current tool doesn't rotate pieces, it only moves them, so often you can get better packing (ie less waste) by manually rotating shells around so they fit together better.

Phil

[munderwood]

Ahhh, I didn't even consider rotating it, thats a great idea, thanks.