How to Make a Texture Map Using UV Mapper Classic

Poser is a 3D art program that allows the user to use 3D models for people, houses and household items, just to name a few, in order to make art. While most Poser models that you use come with a texture map, otherwise known as a template, not all do. You might also misplace the texture file somewhere on your computer and not want to spend hours looking for it. Whatever the reason, you might need a texture map of a model, and with UV Mapper Classic, you can now have the texture map in a matter of minutes.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. 

   Download a copy of UV Mapper Classic. While there is a professional version, you don't really need it unless you create 3D models professionally. For normal purposes, the free version works just great (see Resources below).

2. 

   Find the "UV Mapper Classic" icon and double-click on it, this will open a small window with what looks like a little stick figure walking. You can enlarge the window simply by clicking on the small square icon at the top right-hand corner.

3. 

   Select the "File" drop-down menu and then "Load Model." This will open a window that allows you to look for an object file. An object file is the file type that many 3D models are saved in, and you will find them in your "Poser Geometries" file.

4. 

   Search for the object file of the model you want to make the texture map for, and when you find it, double-click on it. You will then get a little window with the statistics of the object model you have chosen to make a texture map for. Just click "OK" once it pops up.

5. 

   Save the texture map. Go to the "File" drop-down menu and choose "Save Texture Map." This will bring up a new window labeled "BMP Export Options." Leave the default selections and click "OK."

6. 

   Save the bitmap of your new texture map somewhere on your computer. Save it again as a jpeg when you open it in the paint program of your choice to texture it.

7. Open the bitmap of your new texture map in the paint program of your choice. You are now ready to color and embellish it.

Tips & Warnings

• Use GIMP or paint.net to decorate your texture map rather than an expensive paint program--they are free and work just as well as the the expensive programs (see Resources below).

Resources

• UV Mapper Classic
• GIMP
• Paint.net