UModeler X : Paint your game assets in Unity

This tutorial demonstrates how to roughly unwrap UVs in UModeler X, then enter painting mode to paint textures directly with a brush. Coloring can be done inside Unity, with brush adjustments and layers adding extra detail. Painting mode supports both 3D and 2D views, allowing real-time preview of results. Through this process, you’ll learn how to apply colors directly onto models inside Unity.

Before you start painting,

at least one or more faces of the model must have their UV coordinates laid out using a tool within the UV Editor.

The Box Tool creates a basic box-shaped geometry.

1. Select the Shape Creation Tool at the top of the Scene view.

2. Select the Box Tool.

3. Create a box by clicking and dragging.

4. The basic shape is automatically created with Unwrap Group 0.

UV Editor

UVs are 2D texture coordinates that correspond to 3D objects.

Using the UV Editor, you can create and edit UV elements (UV Vertices, UV Edges, and UV Faces).

1. Select the Editor.

2. Select the UV Editor.

3. After checking the UVs, close the editor.

Exploring Painting Mode

Painting Mode is a mode used to apply colors to a model.

You can express colors and generate textures using layers and brushes.

1. Select the Painting button.

2. Select Start Painting.

Painting Mode allows you to apply colors directly to a model using layers and brushes, making it easy to create textures and visualize color results.

In the Inspector, you can find three main modes:

• Modeling Mode
• Rigging Mode
• Painting Mode

Select Painting Mode, then make sure the material assigned to the object supports texture painting.

Once confirmed, click Start Painting.

This will open the Layer panel and Properties panel, which are used for painting and adjusting texture settings.

You can now begin painting textures directly onto the model using brushes and layers.

Interface overview

Painting Mode consists of four main groups:

• Material Group
• Layer Group
• Properties Group
• Map Source Group

Material Group

The Material group lets you select the material to paint on and manage various scene-related display properties.

Layer group

The Layer group manages and edits layers, providing tools and the interface where layers are displayed.

Properties group

The Properties group displays different settings depending on the selected tool or layer.

This area shows and allows editing of the attributes for the active item.

Map Source group

The Map Source group defines texture map resolution and format, and provides management tools to add or delete map sources.

To export a painted texture, follow these instructions:

1. In the Map Source panel, select the Albedo map you worked on.

2. Select Export All and choose a folder path.

3. Click Save to export the Albedo texture.

4. After exporting, create a new material and place the extracted Albedo texture in the Base Map property.

When you re-enter Painting Mode, previous painting work will remain intact, allowing you to freely modify and continue editing anytime.

In the next tutorial, you’ll learn how to rig objects in UModeler X.