Unfold alternative for Sketchup

**Colonel_Klink** · #1 03-25-2009, 07:21 PM

Hi. Thought I'd share a technique I've been using to unfold 3D models in Sketchup. This was devised primarily for UV mapping game models but it can also be used to flatten models for paper design work.
http://www.resentmentpublications.co...ds/SUUVMAP.pdf

Here's a building that took just a few hours development from basic model to flattened pieces ready for printing or exporting to Photoshop.

**B-Manic** · #2 03-25-2009, 07:35 PM

Very interesting. does it work for curved surfaces.

**Colonel_Klink** · #3 03-26-2009, 12:55 AM

Hi Douglas.
yes it can be used to unfold curved surfaces provided the surface is divided into its separate parts. This method is laborious, as the parts have to be rotated to align correctly. Having said that the result has been rewarding for the effort. I have used it on a boat hull plus chimney pots for the house above
There are some Ruby plugins that can assist in automating the process somewhat. The glue tabs have to be added manually.

**Lex** · #4 03-26-2009, 06:36 AM

I'd like to see an automated plugin for this, very interesting subject!

**RyanShort** · #5 03-27-2009, 06:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lex

I'd like to see an automated plugin for this, very interesting subject!

Try Waybe!

Ryan

**ARMORMAN** · #6 03-27-2009, 03:03 PM

.....

Waybe?

**SCEtoAUX** · #7 03-27-2009, 03:24 PM

Here be Waybe.

**Colonel_Klink** · #8 03-28-2009, 02:45 PM

Have tried Waybe. It freezes my Su each time I used it. Hence the alternative, and cheaper way of unfolding, and it serves too purposes: UV mapping for game models, and unfolding for paper.

**ifbest** · #9 07-13-2009, 09:33 PM

Hi. I have a problem about this uv mapping.
I have followed the steps, and when I applied color (as I followed in Mapping The Model part), the box is not showing exactly the same color as the unfold box.. :( Can anyone help me..pls

fyi, i used Google sketchup 7

**Chthulhu** · #10 07-13-2009, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lex

I'd like to see an automated plugin for this, very interesting subject!

Try this:

[Plugin] SketchUp Blog: Plugin: Unfold Tool

I don't know what versions of Sketchup it will work with.