How the F#*K do i texture this

akshattejas · Oct 6 2025

Hey everyone,

I'm currently working on the highly-detailed cockpit of an F-15, and I've reached the texturing stage where I need to label all the buttons, switches, and panels (screenshot attached).
I'm looking for advice on the most robust and flexible professional workflow:
Would it be better to take a UV snapshot into Photoshop to create all the text and decal graphics there for maximum control over precise graphic layout, or should I instead use the text and decal tools directly within Substance Painter to take advantage of its non-destructive and easily editable workflow?

I'm aiming for high-level accuracy and flexibility, given the sheer number of small, unique markings required for an aircraft interior, and any tips or examples of how you approach cockpit/panel texturing would be massively appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021068/uploads/editor/f3/nopj1ipios9n.png

poopipe · Oct 6 2025

you don't want to be texturing this uniquely - you will never hit the required resolution .

put all the decals / sticker etc onto a sheet and slap them on little quads.

if this is where your player sits, you can probably get away with modelling basically everything rather than baking unique normals etc. - it's basically an environment as opposed to a prop from that perspective

ZacD · Oct 7 2025

If this was a 3rd person game and it was background detail, I might see if I could get away with hotspot texturing with decals for the labels. Wouldn't do that for a first person cockpit. For first person, I'd use a lot of geo to control the normals and shading for bevels and not try to bake that out.

littleclaude · Oct 17 2025

Hi

I would download some examples off sketchfab, export it into your 3D tool of choice and see how others do it and then try it yourself. Good luck

Example - https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/the-spitfire-cockpit-experience-fff15c46761b43049520cca82b5b4334

How the F#*K do i texture this

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