3DS MAX 2013 help needed. Unwrap UVW modifier isn't working properly.

Axlkon

I'm fairly new to 3DS MAX 2013, I've been working with it on and off since September. I have been working on stockpiling some samples of my furniture models (not designed by me, just replicated). Unfortunately I have hit a bit of a snag with the Unwrap UVW modifier.

Here is a picture of the loveseat I've been working on.

http://oi41.tinypic.com/2m4zv9x.jpg

As you can tell it needs a bit of UVW work, but that isn't working too well.
When I try to select a polygon using the sub-object mode "face" in the Unwrap UVW modifier, it doesn't turn the polygon red, instead it does this.

http://oi42.tinypic.com/2u4k8iv.jpg

It shows a yellow bracket around the selected polygon, I don't know why it doesn't make it red. Then I make the seams and I go to make sure that they are closed, I select a polygon within the seams and click "expand face selection to seams" but when I do that, it selects the entire object, as if there is a hole in the seams somewhere. That part could be caused by the piping that is attached to the object, I haven't tried making seams on it yet, but that still doesn't explain why the face selection isn't working properly.

Here is a picture of what I think of as working properly.

http://oi43.tinypic.com/vd0pdy.jpg

That is a different chair that I've been working on, with the same settings as far as I know. It has two Unwrap UVW modifiers, but that's only because one of them is affecting all of the chairs pieces, and the other is only on that cushion, but I don't think that should make a difference, it was still working properly when I only had a single Unwrap UVW modifier.

I would really appreciate some help on this as soon as possible, I'm not on a deadline, but I don't want to be stuck making these forever, I would like to make progress in my career.

SH4DOWM4NTIZ

Hey, not sure if i'm i really understanding everything here, but to toggle the face selection to red again, just hit f2 on the keyboard

Mark Dygert

I've seen that happen if you don't exit the lower modifiers sub-object level (vert, poly edge ect...) before applying the UVW modifier. Whatever you have selected in sub-object mode will be transfered up the stack. so make sure you exit sub-object level before applying modifiers.

Also if you need to make geometry changes, just collapse the stack (it bakes in the UV changes) then make your geometry changes and then re-apply UVW Unwrap.

If you don't do this and you go back down the editable poly modifier and make changes there is a good chance you'll screw up your UVW modifier.

Axlkon

SH4DOWM4NTIZ, Mark Dygert, thanks so much for the answers, it seems I was just making a few rookie mistakes, the issues have been resolved and I'm back on schedule. I appreciate the quick replies.