Create Uv Overlays; Reparameterize A Texture Map; Create A Tile For A Repeating Texture - Adobe Photoshop CS6 User Manual

Create UV overlays

A diffuse texture file used by multiple materials on a 3D model can group several content areas that are applied to different surfaces on the model.
The process called UV mapping matches coordinates in the 2D texture map with specific coordinates on the 3D model. UV mapping allows the 2D
texture to be painted correctly onto the 3D model.
For 3D content created outside Photoshop, UV mapping occurs in the program where the content was created. However, Photoshop can create
UV overlays as guides to help you visualize how a 2D texture map matches up with the 3D model surfaces. These overlays act as guides when
editing a texture.
1. Double-click a texture in the Layers panel to open it for editing.
Note: Create UV Overlays is only enabled when a texture map is open and is the active window.
2. Choose 3D > Create UV Overlays, then select an overlay option.
Wireframe Shows edge data of the UV mapping.
Shaded Shows model areas using a solid rendering mode.
Normal Map Shows geometric normals translated to RGB values, where R=X, G=Y, and B=Z.
UV overlays are added as additional layers in the Layers panel for the texture file. You can show, hide, move, or delete a UV overlay. The
overlays appear on the model surface when you close and save the texture file, or switch from the texture file to the associated 3D layer (the
texture file is auto saved).
Note: Delete or hide UV overlays before performing a final render.

Reparameterize a texture map

Occasionally you may open a 3D model whose textures are poorly mapped to the underlying model mesh. Poor texture mapping can produce
obvious distortions in the surface appearance of the model, such as unwanted seams or areas of stretching or squeezing of the texture pattern.
Poor texture mapping can also cause unpredictable results when you paint directly on the model.
To check texture parameterization, open a texture for editing, then apply a UV Overlay to see how the texture aligns with the model surfaces.
See Create UV overlays.
The Reparameterization command remaps a texture to the model to correct distortion and create more effective surface coverage.
1. Open a 3D file with a poorly mapped diffuse texture, and select the 3D layer containing the model.
2. Choose 3D > Reparameterize. Photoshop notifies you that you are reapplying the texture to the model. Click OK.
3. Choose a reparameterization option:
Low Distortion keeps the texture pattern more intact, but can create more seams on the model surface.
Fewer Seams minimizes the number of seams that appear on the model. This can produce more stretching or pinching of the texture,
depending on the model.
Reparameterized texture using Low Distortion (left) and Fewer Seams (right)
4. (Optional) If the reparameterization option you chose does not create optimal surface coverage, choose Edit > Undo and try the other option.
You can also use the Reparameterize command to improve the default texture mapping that occurs when you create 3D models from 2D layers.
See Create 3D objects from 2D images (Photoshop Extended).

Create a tile for a repeating texture

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