How to Pack multiple objects UVs together?

[probiner]

I have several objects belonging to one model with Unfold UV. I would like to pack the entire model's uv's into a single UV Space, without having to merge or so. These objects have operator stacks that I have to keep adjusting, disabling and enabling again.

I tried to make a group and Get>Property>Texture Projection>Unfold on the group but the packing is still per object.

Thanks

[t0ol]

I have several objects belonging to one model with Unfold UV. I would like to pack the entire model's uv's into a single UV Space, without having to merge or so. These objects have operator stacks that I have to keep adjusting, disabling and enabling again.

I tried to make a group and Get>Property>Texture Projection>Unfold on the group but the packing is still per object.

Thanks

I`d like to know that aswell..

[probiner]

Yeah, but seems I must be having making really silly questions lately since there are no answers

[t0ol]

Yeah, but seems I must be having making really silly questions lately since there are no answers

For me that`s one of the biggest problems with softimage.. Userbase, forum coverage etc. With the other packages I can google almost any topic and got answers to my questions within second, while with XSI most often than not I have to dwell deep into docs or wait for someone in a mood to asnwer questions on some forums..

That and lack of tutorials..

[Hirazi Blue]

Wow, that kind of attitude really helps people to get in the mood to help you! ;)

[AceMastermind]

I'm not familiar with the latest version of Softimage or the specific features of Unfold within it, but this seems like a trivial task. You can display multiple UV sets in the TE and then scale and translate them to fit in one UV space.

http://download.autodesk.com/global/doc ... UVSets.htm

[probiner]

Thanks but I'm aware of that. I was after an automatic packing solution.
Anyway, workaround so far... bring the stack operators down to the intended level (some symmetrizing polygons hanging), merge(keep), pack UVs, object by object transfer with GATOR (or copy/paste UVs, if working) and delete atrb_unfold/cls_cutlines/cls_original_uv. Not something I'll want to iterate many times

Cheers

[Draise]

Not sure what you are looking for, but if you are using the Unfold option on an object, you can use the Packing tab to modify how they all are packed (dynamically).

Like the example below:





Do you want to pack different objects UV's onto one texture or... the same UV?..

As far as I know, you can't really share a global UV between objects, unless I am mistaken.

[probiner]

As far as I know, you can't really share a global UV between objects, unless I am mistaken.

Yup that's it. Well the workaround is basically merging all objects to a duplicate, pack and then redistribute the new uv through the objects with GATOR

Cheers

[benoit81]

Here is a video that explain how to unpack several objects on the same texture :


https://vimeo.com/68997075

It's a feature of Softimage 2014.
According to me, the weakness of this new feature is that it is not compatible with the pin function : when you unpack a selection of polygons it unpack everything even if the points are locked by the pin attribute.
I think that unselected faces or pined points should not be involved in the unpack process.
Maybe the UV will be updated in 2015. Anyway it's a nice addition for 2014.

[probiner]

Here is a video that explain how to unpack several objects on the same texture :
https://vimeo.com/68997075
According to me, the weakness of this new feature is that it is not compatible with the pin function : when you unpack an selection of polygon it unpack everything even if the points are locked by the pin attribute.

I tried to make a group and Get>Property>Texture Projection>Unfold on the group but the packing is still per object.

Ah so I was in the right track but probably executed wrongly. Thanks for clearing it out and for the heads-up.

For 2015, I think Linear Corners interpolation would be nice. Current SI's Linear Edges UVs don't play well along with 2D made texture maps on edges, even if tileable.

A comparison chart. To me the best one and more compliant with Catmul-Clark open edges is Linear Corners, but a fully smooth UVs would be also good.

Cheers

[benoit81]

I agree. It would be great if UVs can be preserved with subdivision. Maya/Cinema 4D behavior seems to be the best.
I think that Softimage UV editor needs improvements :
- enhanced "M" tweak tools
- a single tool for moving, rotating, scale selections (CTRL+T in Photoshop or 3ds max freeform mode)
- selection of rim, loop... (double click)
- automatic packing of a selection
- by default (or at least in the preferences) wrapping on
- pTex
- improve unique UVs algorithm
...

[probiner]

Nice suggestions.

Really think Linear Corners is better than Smooth But the latter at least AD already have it in another package. Though the Linear Edges problems are mostly on Inorganic meshes.

Updated the image, for clearer and bigger inspection. It's a frigging Minecraft cube lol...

Cheers

[gaboraa]

Most probably we wont get them but having more uv subdiv options would be ultra cool and the suggestions Benoit has made would be the dreams come true but

[probiner]

About the UV Interpolation Issue, for Arnold users there is a way to make it right.
Use an "Arnold User Options" attribute as in here

The command and result.


For even spaced organic geometries this is passable, but for inorganic geometries with tight subdivision control edges, it's fundamental.

Cheers