Video captions: In VRED 2021.1, we have implemented a completely reworked UV Editor. First, we removed the Texture Editor, and all projection methods are available within the new editor, which makes working with textures more seamlessly. You can now also copy a UV layout from one object to another, which is a massive time saver when having identical objects in the scene. We also implemented the option to preserve the UVs when doing your retesselation of an object, so you don't need to create the UVs again. When creating a new UV layout, you can now enable Sew on Unfold, which simplifies the creation process. And we implemented and replaced the old unfold algorithm with a best-in-class Unfold3D library, which gives you much better results now and offers much more layout and optimize options. We also added a Select Shortest Path, which makes edge selection very easy now. Another new feature is the ability to constrain edges horizontally or vertically to make the UV layout fit to a rectangular texture. Just select the edges you want to constrain and apply the U or V constraint to it and unfold again. Now, you can apply your rectangular texture much better to your 3D models. Like here for the tire or for a seat belt, for example. For Show Texture, we added the option to choose between different channels of the material. If you're doing a selection in the UV Editor, you can now sync the 3D viewport, which makes orientation easier. You can also now export the UV layout as a snapshot with transparency, which is very helpful for the texture creation process. Find also many UV Editor settings in the preferences, like loading your own checkerboard texture or changing the color of your selections.
This feature now houses projection functions, and uses Unfold3D features for various options, replacing the old Unfold algorithm with Unfold3D to produce better results.
Projection functions were moved to the UV Editor, with the retirement of the Texture Editor.
Other improvements to the UV Editor include:
Replaced the old Unfold algorithm with Unfold3D. This produces better results that are closer to Autodesk Maya.
Unfold 2021 | Unfold3D 2021.1 |
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Now uses Unfold3D features for Unfold, Layout, Optimize, Constrained Edges.
Added the Layout function to fit selected UV islands to the UV grid, using packing and padding options. In the Selection Mode section, select Select Objects for this option to appear.
Added Optimize UVs with Unfold3D.
Added horizontal/vertical edge constraint with Constrain U and Constrain V to unfold objects like seat belts and tires into a rectangular UV layout.
Added Preserve UVs option to the Retessellation dialog to keep existing UV layouts when retessellating shells & surfaces for which UVs had already been created in VRED.
Added double-click edge selection for contiguous edges.
Improved the Select Shortest Path edge selection tool.
Added (Zoom to Selected UVs), which synchronizes the zoom behavior of the UV Editor with the 3D viewport.
Added the Snapshot function, which exports a snapshot of the UV Layout as an image with alpha channel. Find it in the UV Editor > File > Save UV Snapshot.
Added support for Fill Shading to make it easier to see overlapping UVs in the UV view. Since overlapping UVs are often undesirable because any associated texture maps will also overlap on the related surface meshes, Fill Shading makes it easier to identify them and correct the issue.
Added UV preferences for setting default parameters for unfold, layout, pack, island transform and pre-transform, and optimize settings in the UV Editor.
Added customizable colors for the UV view to Selection preferences.
Added the UV Editor to VRED Design.
For more information on the UV Editor, see About the UV Editor.