Texturing & materials · Beginner

UV mapping

Flattening a 3D surface into 2D so a texture knows where to go

What is UV mapping?

UV mapping is the step that flattens a 3D model’s surface into a 2D layout, so a flat texture image wraps onto it in the right places. U and V name the two axes of that flat layout. Without good UVs, textures stretch, blur or land in the wrong spot.

Think of it like this

It is like peeling an orange and pressing the peel flat on a table. Cut in the right places, it lies flat with little stretching.

Where it fits in a 3D project

  1. Create
  2. Surface
  3. Rig
  4. Animate
  5. Render
  6. Export

Surface: Giving the shape its color and material: UVs, textures and shaders.

3D modelUnwrapFlat UV layoutSame face
Unwrapping lays each face of the model flat, so a 2D texture can wrap back on.

How UV mapping works

  1. 01Mark seams, the edges where the surface will be cut open.
  2. 02Unwrap the model so its faces unfold flat, like a sewing pattern.
  3. 03Arrange the flat pieces, called islands, to fill the square texture space.
  4. 04Paint or bake textures onto that layout, and they wrap back onto the model.

UV mapping vs UV unwrapping

PropertyUV mappingUV unwrapping
MeansThe whole process and its resultThe step of unfolding the faces
IncludesSeams, unwrapping, packing, checkingMostly the unfold itself
You’ll hear“Does this model have UVs?”“Unwrap the mesh”

The terms overlap: unwrapping is one step inside UV mapping.

Where UV mapping is used

  • Texturing game characters and props
  • Baking normal and ambient occlusion maps
  • Placing logos and labels on product models

Beginner tip

Apply a checker texture while you work. Squares that stretch or change size show exactly where the UVs need fixing.

Terms related to UV mapping

UV mapping FAQ

Why is it called UV mapping?
X, Y and Z already name the 3D axes, so the flat texture layout uses U and V for its two directions. The letters have no other meaning.
Do AI-generated 3D models have UVs?
Most do, because their textures need a layout to sit on. Generated UVs are often split into many small pieces, which is fine for viewing but harder to repaint by hand.
What are UV seams?
Seams are the edges where the surface is cut so it can lie flat. Hide them where viewers rarely look, such as under arms or along natural creases, because a texture can show a visible line there.

Updated October 29, 2026 · Browse all 3D terms