Alright, now before you start flooding this topic with tut links and accusations of spam and to use the search bar, I want to say this: I have searched the site and others for an advanced tutorial on how to texture and smooth models. So none of that.

Why do I ask this age-old question? Two things I have been not so great at are texturing and smoothing. They have been a great difficulty to do, mainly because I don't know the advanced basics or the proper technique. So in this thread, I would like some explanations on how to properly smooth and texture.

How do I properly smooth a model without it looking like a disorganized piece of crud?

What really is the difference between UVW Unwrapping and just plain UVW Mapping? How do I accomplish UVW Unwrapping properly?

What are some good tips on texturing and smoothing?
Edited by DarkHalo003 on Jun 15, 2008 at 09:46 PM

Do what I did, try to teach yourself.

Thanks guys, I appreciate the help. Chains, I don't like google search (except for Images). Just a bad habit I have developed.

A UVW (XYZ get it?) Map, is coordinates for a texture/material. To apply a UVW map to a multi-sub object material, what you will want to do is select the faces you want to map, apply the modifier and then once satisfied, collapse it to the object. By collapsing the object will remember the coordinates and then you can go and apply more UVW modifiers to the object (just collapse once you have them set.

UVW Unwrapping is when you flatten the model to an image file so that you can paint the texture you want. I'm not going to bother trying to explain this, because you should have the basics ^ down before unwrapping. PM later if you want a tut.

As for smoothing groups, each number represents a different group. The creator designates the groups (they don't have any specific meaning), what you want to do is select the faces you want to smooth and select a number. Any part you don't want to 'blend' into that group designate a different number too.

i am currently making texturing tuts (voice) but i will only release once iv completed all of them.i will start off with making base metals/woods/cloth and add details screws/tube and so on! but currently have only made a scope lens tut which is easy.I will then do a project (gun)which will include uvw unwrapping and texturing and then getting it in game.

but this will be along time until i am complete and i would like to say that i am still learning my self but i am currently going from intermediate stuff to advanced. though the tuts will be for noobs to intermediate and will be good and useful to the halo community.

but this docent mean that i will complete this idea of mine but must say that i have already started and the tuts will only probably be ready within a few months 6,7,8,9 or so.

so keep your hopes up :)