UV Maps

A UV map lays the surface of a model out flat, so a 2D image can be painted on it and wrapped back around.

Drag a model to turn it.

Unfolding a cubeThe cube cut along its seams and laid flat is its UV map. Each face shows its own patch of one image.
On the modelEvery square of the checker comes out the same size: a clean unwrap.
A sphereA sphere cannot flatten without distortion. Its squares squeeze together toward the poles.
Stretched UVsHere the front face's UVs are squeezed, so the image stretches across it.
Texel densityThe same image at two scales. Keep texture detail even across a model so no part looks blurrier.

In your tool

  1. Mark seams where the mesh may be cut, along hidden or natural edges.
  2. Unwrap: the tool lays the pieces out flat.
  3. Check a checker texture on the model for stretching, then paint or apply textures.