How to Create a Cube Map

If you are working in 3D graphics and modeling, you will need to understand UV mapping. One of the best ways to get an understanding of the process is to do a map for a basic cube. In this tutorial the modeling program used is Hexagon, but the principles will apply any modeling program. You can also UV map a cube using a non modeler, such as UVMapper.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hexagon or Other 3D Modeling Program
• UVMapper

Mapping in Hexagon

1. Open Hexagon. Go to the "Primitives" tab and click on the "Cube." Then use the tool to draw a cube in the scene.

2. Select "Tools," then "UV Paint" and click "Unfold." The UV dialog will open. Click on the cube to define the "Seams." These are the edges along which the cube will unfold in the UV map. Then click the "+" button. Then click the little "Head" next to the "+". This will create your map.

3. Click "Validate." You may notice that your map is tilter to one side. While this is not a major problem, ti can make painting the model more difficult. Make sure you have the "Edges" selection mode on. Then right-click and drag in the UV window to select the UV map. Now use the rotate function of the "Universal Manipulator" tool to straighten up the map. Save your model, and the map will save with it.

Mapping in UVMapper

4. Open UVMapper. Select "File" and click "Open." Browse to the cube you want to UV map and open it. The program will tell you that the object has no UV texture coordinates.

5. Click on "Map," and from the options select "Box."

6. In the dialog that opens, type the size you want the map to be, or just go with default. Then click "OK."

7. Select "File" and click "Save Model." Go with the default options and click "OK." Name the file and click "OK." This will save your model with the UV map.

References

• Geekatplay Hexagon UVMapping Tutorial
• Mapping in UVMapper