How do I create multiple textures for 1 model? (pics)

buddikaman

I have this robot im about to unwrap, and in game(tf2) hes gonna be huge. As such I was thinking of splitting him up into multiple 2048s. I was thinking one for the legs, one for the arms, shoulders, tubes, and one for the torso and head. And btw he is normal mapped, this is the highpoly shown(as a fyi). Can anyone comment on that? And most importantly, HOW can i create seperate templets and have it applied to one mesh in 3dsmax 9. Thanks!!!



Scott Petty
Environment Artist
www.Buddikaman.com

Mark Dygert

There are a few ways to do it, I think the most friendly for TF2 would be to break the pieces off as seperate objects. I'm not sure if the exporter supports multi-sub object materials.

You'll want to look up skin groups in the valve wiki when it comes time to compile, or export each texture piece as a seperate prop.

Lookin' hot, I love the style!

CheeseOnToast

You can have multiple materials on a single mesh for Source, so don't worry about that one.

Eric Chadwick

As to how to create the templates... divide the mesh into material IDs, then in the Unwrap window you can isolate by ID (bottom corner dropdown), then export a template for that ID using the Tools menu, Render UVW Template.

mikezoo

Be a little careful when you compile your model into a MDL for source. multiple maps of 2048 might be a little high, depending on your computer and what your compiling with. If its maya or max.

Jeremy Lindstrom

just an fyi, you know your site is a 404 right? index.php doesn't exist.

Sage

All you have to do is unwrap your character as normal, and if you have ids for each group like Eric suggested it makes selecting easier. What I usually do is unwrap like it where one, look for what mirrored, etc, and unwrap everything as quickly and easy as possible. Then I decide where my chuncks are going to go. I do this by size, since that worked for me, but usually you try and put everything that uses alpha together and it can be helpful to group things together in a logical fashion.

That bot looks great.

Alex

buddikaman

Yeah, i just went ahead and broke him into 3 seperate peices. This is the turnout..







Scott Petty
Environment Artist
www.Buddikaman.com

Loren Broach

wow, that's awesome! good work!

Rhinokey

sweet i think it would look cool if he's deactivated hving some large chains from the ceiling coming down and hooking into rings on his shoulder or top of his head to help hold him upright

Mark Dygert

Thats looking great!

I have to 2nd what Mojokey mentioned. If its deactivated, it needs support, but maybe not chains. It would also be cool to see more hoses, open hatches and maybe scaffolding, as if its being worked on.