So, I'm new to modelling and I made an Assault Rifle model in Autodesks 3ds max and then I unwrapped it. Now, I have no clue what I'm looking at. Is there like a program that allows you to edit the UV mesh in 3d, or preview it in 3d or something, or am I just going to have to stare at it until the image magically makes sense?

Modifier list > unwrap uvw > open uv editor

Yeah, but that's just the thing that allows me to unwrap the UV, I've got the UVW map, I just don't know which part of the map is which.

I'm sorry if what I'm saying makes no sense, as I said, I'm new to this.

Essentially, what I want is a way to apply textures to the UV file in 3d... or something to that effect. Like how you'd paint a model IRL after it was put together.

Ah you want to export your uv in to an image sheet to texture in an external app.

Well there are a few different ways to do it This being the easiest.

Additionally this goes through the entire process of modelling, uv'ing, texturing and tagging a weapon for haloce, you may find it an extremely useful aid to guide you throughout your modding endeavours.

Yes, I've been using that as a reference, I got my AR mesh unwrapped and ready to texture in gimp and honestly couldn't tell what I was looking at, my mesh had lots of little details and by the end, I didn't know what's what.

What I want is something that will allow me to paint the model in 3D. Like take the unwrapped image and wrap back up while I paint it.

That specific criteria falls under "real time texturing in 3d".

Here are a few names of softwares which support this feature, though I should say that there are alot more out there:

Substance painter or designer.

Quixel suite.

3dcoat.

Mari.

Body paint 3d.

Thanks, sorry that I was using poor terminology.

No problem.