Question on UVW Unwrapping (3dsmax) HELP

[pNz]

ok, im unwrapping my gun. the method i use is just adding a Unwrap UVW modifier, then i select faces and then select planar map. its the easiest method ive ever learned especially for guns since they have mainly flat faces. My problem is that my gun has more then one part (trigger, knobs, clip) to it and i want all the parts on the same texture map. when i use this method of unwrapping it only lets me put 1 part of the model on the map. do i have to use a different method or what?

 

[Mujuro]

You can't get it all on one texture map, or it will all be too cramped.

 

[pNz]

ok so when theres a model with more then 1 part you have to make a separate texture file for each part? :rolling: that seems kinda strange to make a separate file just to texture the trigger or a switch. there must be a way to get a small separate piece included. if any1's got any ideas please feel free to share :rolling:

 

[Newton]

Actually you can get them all on 1 texture and still have them be seperate parts.

1) UV Map all the pieces
2) Attach all the pieces together (The UV coordinates will be kept)
3) apply another Unwrap modifier and layout your UV's
4) export your UV template however you choose and texture the model

Now you can go in and detach the pieces that need to be seperate from eachother and they will stay in the same UV coordinates you placed them, and all the pieces will only call on the 1 texture during the game.

If you need further explaining just me know.

 

[pNz]

thx alot for the quick response. ill give that a shot and see what happens.

 

[SidewinderX]

actually.... all you need to do is convert all of them to edit mesh or edit poly.... then they're one object.

 

[Ti133700N]

I have another question. I always use only one texture for my models but since using more textures give alot more details, what is the disadvantage of using more than one texture? Well, I think a good guess would be that it takes more memory so the real question is: Is there a limit in how many textures per model HL2 can handle? And if not, what is a good trade between quality and minimum memory usage (like 2 or 3 texture maps)?