# UV Mapping: texturing a 3d object

## Summary

**Published:** Jan 21 2024 by [mana vortex](https://app.gitbook.com/u/NfZBoxGegfUqB33J9HXuCs6PVaC3 "mention")\
**Last documented update:** Jan 21 2024 by [mana vortex](https://app.gitbook.com/u/NfZBoxGegfUqB33J9HXuCs6PVaC3 "mention")

This page contains the theory of how to connect meshes (3d objects) with textures (which are 2d after all)

### Wait, this isn't what I want!

* For a hands-on guide to UV mapping, check [adding-decals](https://wiki.redmodding.org/cyberpunk-2077-modding/modding-guides/items-equipment/editing-existing-items/adding-decals "mention") -> [#step-5-uv-projection](https://wiki.redmodding.org/cyberpunk-2077-modding/modding-guides/items-equipment/editing-existing-items/adding-decals#step-5-uv-projection "mention")
* For import/export help, check [images-importing-editing-exporting](https://wiki.redmodding.org/cyberpunk-2077-modding/modding-guides/textures-and-luts/images-importing-editing-exporting "mention")

## What is "UV mapping" and can I eat it?

This is the technical term for the process of mapping a flat texture on your three-dimensional object. The most hands-on example for this is Christmas chocolate:

<figure><img src="https://1427525421-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F4gzcGtLrr90pVjAWVdTc%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-d23a7a36819721c7506eb0ca37e9b03d291702a5%2Fuv_mapping_chocolate.png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Regardless of that, **you can not eat it**.

## Where can I see them?

{% hint style="info" %}
To look at an object's UV mapping, you'll have to fire up Blender (or a 3d editing software of your choice).
{% endhint %}

An object's UV maps are visible in the Data tab:

<figure><img src="https://1427525421-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F4gzcGtLrr90pVjAWVdTc%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-fcda9f0fa64a2d6d69b1c888602e10556db2bb59%2Fdelete_extra_uv_map.png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## How do I edit the UV mapping?

{% hint style="info" %}
To look at an object's UV mapping, you'll have to fire up Blender (or a 3d editing software of your choice).
{% endhint %}

Open the UV editing perspective, select a mesh, and switch to Edit Mode. If you select vertices in the `viewport` on the right, you can see their UV islands in the `UV editor` on the left:

<figure><img src="https://1427525421-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F4gzcGtLrr90pVjAWVdTc%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-58f37ad942097cc0c3dba7202e829997db4793d1%2Fadding_decals_11_uv_editing.png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

You change the mapping by editing those UV islands. For a more hands-on guide of this, refer to [adding-decals](https://wiki.redmodding.org/cyberpunk-2077-modding/modding-guides/items-equipment/editing-existing-items/adding-decals "mention") -> [#step-5-uv-projection](https://wiki.redmodding.org/cyberpunk-2077-modding/modding-guides/items-equipment/editing-existing-items/adding-decals#step-5-uv-projection "mention")

### How do I transfer UV maps?

To transfer UV maps between two objects, they need to be **topologically identical** (they must have the same number of vertices, faces and edges). The **shape** can change.

You can find the UV transfer menu under Object -> Data Transfer.

{% hint style="info" %}
You can **pin** the edges of the UV map and then unwrap everything inside by angles. This is one of the easiest ways to adapt one UV map to another (DICrash)
{% endhint %}

## Recommended AddOns

### [MioUV](https://github.com/mio3io/mio3_uv) (Blender 4.2, free)

If you work with UV mappings, you should definitely check out MioUV. It automates a bunch of things that used to take the better part of an afternoon:

<div><figure><img src="https://1427525421-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F4gzcGtLrr90pVjAWVdTc%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-28f0ee3458c42ab0c55be124a7b1aff4b2d4360c%2Fblender_gridify_orient_edges.webp?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="https://1427525421-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F4gzcGtLrr90pVjAWVdTc%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-1b10ca5a0cf300b57388f27023f90793eeff16ca%2Fblender_gridify_unwrap.webp?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="https://1427525421-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F4gzcGtLrr90pVjAWVdTc%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-be435f65abb71abe05cba9d50e0f309d1b92e3a4%2Fblender_rectify_unwrap.webp?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="https://1427525421-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F4gzcGtLrr90pVjAWVdTc%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-ce7f9dd285aa7c5f916be727e849ffa28b26fdef%2Fblender_straight_unwrap.webp?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>


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