Instructions for using the texture atlas

Lyn Buchanan

Problem - I can't find any, and the texture atlas is so non-intuitive that I can't seem to get it to do anything.  I've googled and searched through the forums for just a simple instruction guide about how to use the textue atlas feature... nothing.  Doe anyone know of a link that will tell 1) what it is for and does, and 2) how to use it?  Any help will be greatly appreciated.  Thanks.

FSMCDesigns

It's main purpose if to combine textures together on one sheet. mainly used for background figures or game design to minimize draw calls.

maybe this thread will help https://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/217276/texture-atlas

 

Lyn Buchanan

Thanks, but I'm afraid that that didn't help a bit.   I can't even find out how to load an image into it.  It will let me select a directory and add a file name, but then nothing.  When I try to add another image, nothing happens.  Just looking for some simple beginning instructions just on how to use the interface.  Do I have to have some figure or .obj  or template file selected first, and if so, how?  I can' even find the most simple beginning instructions.

 

MelanieL

Well there is this: https://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/28569/texture-atlas-tutorial

And this: https://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/52974/how-does-texture-atlas-work-how-do-you-use-it

But there is also this, which talks about using Texture Atlas for newer (Genesis 3 and 8) figures: https://direct.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/60937/how-to-use-texture-atlas-with-v7

Syrus_Dante

With a bit fumbeling around I once figured out how Texture Atlas works.

Unfortunatly there is an issue with the "new" - how it is called? UDIM UV layout if you try to use it on Genesis 3 and 8 figures but this coudn't stop me from using it.

Richard explained a good workaround it in this thread: https://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/217276/texture-atlas

I didn't know but as descriped its sounds easy: you export the genesis 3 or 8 figure once as OBJ with the "Collapse UV Tiles" option checked. This eleminates the UDIM UV layout issue once you load this Collapse UV Tiles OBJ as a new UV Set on that you can use the Texture Atlas as usual. Then in the end you just need to remember to only save the UV Set Asset that Texture Atlas has generated.

Lately I've used it on genesis 8, made screenshots and planed a tutorial on how I managed to workaround the issues I had. I've used Blender to fix the mess Texture Atlas did with the UDIM UVs at first.

Since Genesis 2 I've used Texture Atlas for one thing, to turn the character textures into what I called Low-Res UVs. With the Face and Torso, Legs and Arms Surfaces all on one texture map. See the attached screenshot.

Or Skin-Lips-Nails Low-Res UVs for Genesis 3 and 8 because only those surfaces are affected by the rearrangement. Actualy I've invented this method to tweak skin colors all in one go in an image editor like Photoshop.

I called it Low-Res UVs because I wanted to reduce the texture resolution by using a 4k map so every surface like Face and Torso gets 2k resolution. What I haven't tried yet is to use 8k maps on these UVs, in theory you wouldn't loose any detail with the 8k texture resolution.

 

So finaly I thought using Texture Atlas would be best showen in a video and here it is. This is not realy a tutorial like seen elsewhere because I don't explain everything and I work fast. Maybe its more for advanced users but hey its an advanced issue anyway. In the end I realize I made the mistake and forget to add the EyeSocket surface keep that in mind if you try it yourself. Because of the nature of skin textures this video containes nudity.

DazStudio LowResUVs G3F - Youtube

This video shows how I used the Texture Atlas to create all-in-one texture maps and UVs for Genesis 3 Female.

I start with a character texture set Ronya HD for Victoria 7. https://www.daz3d.com/ronya-hd-for-victoria-7

I show the whole process how Texture Atlas will create the new UV Set and convert the textures. Then I save the UV Asset and a Material Preset of the result.

In the second part I show you how to use the Map Transfer to convert other character textures to the new UV set. This time I used the character GND Darla from this other site.

I hope this is useful information to you.

Syrus_Dante

Hausfrau Mafia

Syrus_Dante said:

 

So finaly I thought using Texture Atlas would be best showen in a video and here it is. This is not realy a tutorial like seen elsewhere because I don't explain everything and I work fast. Maybe its more for advanced users but hey its an advanced issue anyway. In the end I realize I made the mistake and forget to add the EyeSocket surface keep that in mind if you try it yourself. Because of the nature of skin textures this video containes nudity.

DazStudio LowResUVs G3F - Youtube

 

 

Ahh!! Thank you Syrus!!