complex UV maps?

Hi everyone! I am running into a small issue that I can't seem to find a way to kind of optimize my UV map. I attached a copy of the way my model is unwrapping. I know that I should adjust the sizes of the islands but how do I get the object that are exactly the same to not repeat on the UV map and the mirrored things not to repeat. I'm new to this process so any advice would help. 

this is the model I'm unwrapping. 

This is the way the UV default unwraps. I know the larger items need to be resized and the overall sizes of the islands need to be more regular across the board.

Thanks for any and all advice!

  • Kent Trammell replied

    Hi unicornsammich1 - The auto UV layout operation is good for quick and dirty layouts but not so much for legit character models. I recommend checking out the 2nd chapter of the "Building Modular Game Assets" course. I go over the process of organized UV layout including duplicate pieces for maximized texel density.

  • Chetan Ranjan(ranjancnr) replied

    The way I did it with these two characters here:- https://www.cgcookie.com/t/557-game-res-poly-chetan
    was to use mirror modifier. I applied the modifier after unwrapping the model.

    Your model is symmetrical so you can delete half of the mesh, then unwrap it. That way mirrored parts will overlapp each other giving you a lot of space to have better texel density. Also, If this is for games, I think it is better to have less seams because it will take less calculation(correct me If I am wrong, please, I am also learning.) and give more performance, so try to merge the seams where ever you can.

    Also, that is a great model.

  • knuckelhead replied

    Really Nice model well done. 

  • unicornsammich1 replied

    Thank you so much!

  • unicornsammich1 replied

    thank you so much!  And it is for a game! I think I may have added too many seams. I suppose its not so important to not have any stretching at all since the character won't be viewed super close. I appreciate your feedback! I will definitely give this a try.

  • unicornsammich1 replied

    Thank you so much. I am ganna go and take a look at that now. I really appreciate the help!

  • Dolores 74 (dolores74) replied

    Yes, you have far to many seams. Here's the file.

  • unicornsammich1 replied

    The main reason this wouldn't work for me is because that middle cylinder is actually a very different texture. I added a seam on each side to make some ease to adding the textures but I did indeed have FAR too many seams. Thank you so much for your advice.