How do you UV stitch multiple objects or parts of a model?

1 What is UV mapping?

UV mapping is the process of projecting a 2D image onto a 3D surface. Each vertex of the 3D model is assigned a coordinate (U and V) that corresponds to a pixel on the image. The collection of these coordinates forms a UV map, which defines how the image is wrapped around the model.

2 Why use UV stitching?

UV stitching is useful when you have multiple objects or parts of a model that share the same texture or material. For example, if you have a character with separate head, body, and limbs, you can UV stitch them together to create one UV map. This way, you can paint or edit the texture across the whole character without having to switch between different UV maps or images. UV stitching can also help you avoid visible seams and texture stretching, especially along the edges of the UV islands.

3 How to prepare your model for UV stitching?

Before you can UV stitch your model, you need to make sure that it is properly unwrapped and that the UV islands are aligned and scaled. To unwrap your model, you can use various methods, such as smart UV project, unwrap, or mark seams and unwrap. You can also use the UV editing tools, such as move, rotate, scale, or snap, to adjust the position and size of the UV islands. You should try to minimize the empty space and the distortion in your UV map, and make sure that the UV islands have a similar resolution and orientation.

4 How to UV stitch multiple objects in Blender?

To UV stitch multiple objects in Blender, you need to select them in the 3D viewport and switch to the UV editing workspace. In the UV editor, you can see the UV maps of all the selected objects. To stitch them together, you need to select the vertices or edges that you want to join, and press S or use the stitch tool from the UV menu. Blender will automatically find the closest matching vertices or edges and merge them into one UV island. You can also adjust the stitching options, such as snap, limit, midpoint, or clear seams, from the operator panel or the F9 menu.

5 How to UV stitch parts of a model in Blender?

To UV stitch parts of a model in Blender, you need to select the model in the 3D viewport and switch to the UV editing workspace. In the UV editor, you can see the UV map of the model. To stitch parts of the model together, you need to select the faces that you want to join, and press Ctrl+L to link them into one UV island. You can also use the stitch tool as described above, but you need to make sure that the faces are connected in the 3D viewport. Alternatively, you can use the pin tool (P) to pin the vertices that you want to keep in place, and then unwrap the model again. This will preserve the pinned vertices and stitch the rest of the UV map.

6 Tips and tricks for UV stitching

To improve your UV stitching results, there are a few tips and tricks you can employ. The sync selection option (the button with two arrows) allows you to synchronize the selection between the 3D viewport and the UV editor, so you can easily see which vertices or edges are selected and stitched. Additionally, the live unwrap option (the button with a magnet) updates the UV map as you stitch or move vertices or edges, enabling you to preview changes and avoid overlapping or stretching. The island selection mode (the button with four squares) allows you to select entire UV islands with one click, saving time. You can also use the average island scale option (from the UV menu or Ctrl+A) to make all UV islands have the same relative size, improving texture resolution and consistency across your model. Lastly, the align option (from the UV menu or Alt+A) lets you align selected UV islands along the U or V axis, helping create straight or uniform edges and seams.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?