Getting Started

Getting Started#

The UVFlow add-on enhances the UV mapping workflow in Blender, providing powerful tools for unwrapping, packing, and managing UV islands. This guide will walk you through the installation process and help you get started with UVFlow.

Prerequisites#

  • Blender Version: Ensure you have one of the following supported versions of Blender installed:

    • Blender 4.3

    • Blender 4.2

    • Blender 4.1

    • Blender 4.0

    • Blender 3.6

You can download the latest version of Blender from the official Blender website.

Installation Steps#

Step 1: Download the UVFlow Add-on#

  1. Visit the UVFlow product page on Blender Market.

  2. Click on the Add to Cart button and proceed to checkout.

  3. After purchase, download the add-on as a .zip file. Do not extract the contents of the zip file.

Step 2: Install the Add-on in Blender#

  1. Open Blender: Launch Blender on your computer.

  2. Access Preferences:

    • Go to the top-left corner and click on Edit.

    • Select Preferences from the dropdown menu.

  3. Navigate to Add-ons:

    • In the Preferences window, click on the Add-ons tab on the left sidebar.

  4. Install the Add-on:

    • Click the Install… button located at the top of the Add-ons section.

    • In the file browser that appears, navigate to the location where you downloaded the UVFlow .zip file.

    • Select the .zip file and click Install Add-on.

  5. Enable the Add-on:

    • After installation, you will see UVFlow in the list of add-ons. Check the box next to the UVFlow add-on to enable it.

    • You can also search for “UVFlow” in the search bar to quickly locate it.

Step 3: Save Preferences#

  1. To ensure the add-on remains enabled in future Blender sessions, click the Save Preferences button at the bottom left of the Preferences window.

  2. Close the Preferences window.

Key Features of UVFlow#

  • Cut UV Tool: The primary tool for marking seams and unwrapping UV islands with intuitive controls. You can easily mark seams, draw seam paths, and select UV islands.

  • Auto Unwrap: Automatically unwraps only the UVs affected by new seams, preventing the loss of previously adjusted UVs.

  • Seam Layers: Manage multiple UV maps with separate seam information, allowing for efficient workflow when working with decals or complex models.

  • Customizable Overlays: Adjust seam colors, thickness, and brightness for better visibility. Enable checker textures for a clear view of UV layouts.

  • Scale Compensation: Automatically stretches UVs to compensate for non-uniform object scales, ensuring accurate texturing.

  • Material Workflow: Pack UVs per material, making it easier to texture in external applications like Substance Painter or Mari.

Basic Usage#

Accessing UVFlow Tools#

  1. Switch to Edit Mode: Select an object in your scene and switch to Edit Mode by pressing Tab or selecting Edit Mode from the mode dropdown in the top-left corner of the 3D Viewport.

  2. Locate UVFlow Tools: The UVFlow tools will be available in the toolbar on the left side of the 3D Viewport. You can also access them from the UV menu in the header of the UV Editor.

Getting Started with Unwrapping#

  1. Select Faces: In Edit Mode, select the faces you want to unwrap.

  2. Use the Cut UV Tool: Activate the Cut UV tool from the UVFlow toolbar or by pressing the designated shortcut key.

  3. Unwrap: Use the options available in the Cut UV tool settings to unwrap your selected faces. You can also use the auto-unwrapping feature for quick results.

Exploring Additional Features#

  • Packing: After unwrapping, use the packing features to efficiently arrange your UV islands.

  • Straightening: Straighten UV islands for better alignment and organization.

  • Overlays: Customize the appearance of seams and checker textures to enhance your workflow.

Conclusion#

Congratulations! You have successfully installed the UVFlow Blender add-on and are now ready to enhance your UV mapping workflow. Explore the various features and tools available in UVFlow to optimize your UV unwrapping and packing processes.

For further assistance, advanced techniques, or troubleshooting, please refer to the additional documentation or community forums.