How to Export UV Layout as Image in Blender

Exporting a UV layout as an image in Blender allows you to extract your 3D model's 2D texture coordinates as a visual reference map. This guide provides a straightforward, step-by-step process for saving your UV layout as a PNG, SVG, or EPS file, enabling you to accurately paint or design textures in external graphic software like Photoshop, GIMP, or Krita.

Step-by-Step Guide to Exporting a UV Layout

1. Open the UV Editing Workspace

Open your project in Blender and switch to the UV Editing workspace using the tabs at the top of the screen. Alternatively, split your viewport and set one editor window to the UV Editor.

2. Enter Edit Mode and Select the Mesh

  1. Click on your 3D model in the 3D Viewport to select it.
  2. Press Tab to enter Edit Mode.
  3. Press A to select all vertices of the mesh. Your UV map will immediately appear in the UV Editor window on the side.

3. Access the Export Option

  1. Move your cursor over the UV Editor window.
  2. Click on UV in the top menu bar of the UV Editor.
  3. Select Export UV Layout from the bottom of the drop-down menu.

4. Configure Export Settings

A file browser window will appear. On the right-hand panel, configure your export options:

  • File Format: Choose between PNG (raster format, standard for textures), SVG (scalable vector graphics), or EPS.
  • Dimensions: Set the resolution (e.g., 2048 x 2048 or 4096 x 4096 pixels). High-resolution settings ensure clean lines when painting textures.
  • Fill Opacity: Adjust the transparency of the UV faces. Setting this to 0.00 exports only the outlines of the UV map. Increasing it fills the UV islands with a semi-transparent color.
  • All UVs: Check this box if you want to export UV layouts for all objects in the scene, not just the currently selected one.

5. Save the Image

  1. Choose the folder destination on your computer.
  2. Enter a filename for your image at the bottom of the window.
  3. Click the blue Export UV Layout button in the bottom right corner.

Your UV layout is now saved as an image file and is ready to be imported into any image editing software to create custom texture maps.