Hello, I’m wondering is there any extension to Blender or at least an application that has a somewhat better UV mapping tool. I like 3ds Studio Max but I have the Student Version, so I can’t legally use it. If not, any tips on UV mapping and making seams and where?
Well, http://cgcookie.com is a great place for such tutorials. As far as seam placement, place them where they make sense and where they’re mostly out of view. For humanoids, think about where the seams are on your clothing as a good starting point.
Why can’t you use the student versions legally? - Personal question
You can, as long it is for personal use only.
Not for commercial use tho. So I guess he want’s to make some bucks with his 3d models.
Try Roadkill UV tool, its easy to learn and very simple in use
What do you find troublesome with Blenders UV mapping tools? Having only used an old version of 3dsMax I was blown away with how straight forward the workflow was in Blender.
UV Layout is excellent. Not cheap though :neutral:
Yes, UV Layout is great. 8)
+1 for UV Layout. Not cheap as in beer, but it may relax you in the same way. 
There’s also Unfold3D, same price range (no Hobbyist price I don’t think though). I’ve not used it but I know a few people who like it.
+1 to Headus UVLayut
Have you looked at 3DCoat?
Try Unwrap 3D. It’s very affordable, and has tons of file formats to export, including FBX.
And it has LSCM too, just like Blender/Roadkill, etc…
Just use Blender.
Watch some tutorial videos and stick at it.
Spend 1 week just going over and over UV mapping in Blender and you will master it.
Get some models from blendswap.com and practice on them starting at low poly and working up to more complex models.
What softwizz said: your UV problems in Blender are poor topology in your models not a Blender problem.
Indeed, knowing where to place seams to unwrap is something that seperates the master from the apprentice.
I even messed up unwrapping a cube once.
Indeed, knowing where to place seams to unwrap is something that seperates the master from the apprentice.
I even messed up unwrapping a cube once.
Unfold3D has the best workflow IMO; it is incorporated into Maya 2015, including Maya LT (the cheap one):
Why use uv mapping when there’s Ptex??!!! Uv mapping is simply a chore too time consuming.
Because you can’t use Ptex in a game engine!
If you are going to spend money on tool for UV mapping 3dcoat is probably the best deal, It’s a sculpting, texturing, retopology, UV (really good tools) , model making powerhouse. $89 for a student license $338 for professional.
Blender is actually really good UV mapping tool, once you learn how to use it properly.
I very much recommend this 20 minute tutorial which gives an awesome foundation to understanding UV in any 3D tool.