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UV_Flatten_Tool

by maylog·Modeling

Images © maylog. Used for product review; image policy.

Why we like it

UV_Flatten_Tool stands out in the blender_extensions library for a focused job: it turns UV-based flattening into a shape key you can adjust, which the developer notes is handier than a Geometry Nodes setup for follow-up work. Version 1.0.7 supports Blender 4.4 and newer.

What is UV_Flatten_Tool?

UV_Flatten_Tool flattens a mesh based on its active UV coordinates and stores the result as a shape key. Blender's Geometry Nodes can achieve similar results, but the shape keys this add-on produces make follow-up operations like animation or tweaking more convenient.

To use it, select a mesh object with a UV map, open the Object menu, and click "Flatten UV to SK." The dialog offers two choices: "Use Existing Seams" to rely on pre-marked seams, or "Generate Seams" to let the plugin create them, though older files may need copying to a new scene. After confirming, adjust the shape key value in the Shape Keys panel to see the effect. The plugin modifies the original model, so back up your file first.

Version 1.0.7 is compatible with Blender 4.4 and newer and requires no special permissions. It is written in Python and distributed under the GNU General Public License v3.0 or later, and it sits within the blender_extensions library.

Who is UV_Flatten_Tool best for?

UV_Flatten_Tool is best for blender artists who need to flatten a mesh to its active UV coordinates and keep the result as an adjustable shape key for animation or tweaking.

How much does UV_Flatten_Tool cost?

UV_Flatten_Tool is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • Flattens a mesh to its active UV coordinates and stores the result as a shape key
  • "Use Existing Seams" option to work from pre-marked seams
  • "Generate Seams" option to let the plugin create seams (older files may need copying to a new scene)
  • Runs from the Object menu via "Flatten UV to SK"
  • Shape key value adjustable in the Shape Keys panel to preview the effect
  • Requires no special permissions in Blender

Tags

#UV#shape key#mesh#Blender#add-on#flatten#Python

Frequently asked questions

Does UV_Flatten_Tool work with Blender 4.4?

UV_Flatten_Tool lists compatibility with Blender 4.4 and newer, so it should run on current 4.4-series releases and later versions. The add-on is written in Python and installs through Blender's extensions system, either by dragging the file into Blender or using Install from Disk. Version 1.0.7 is the current release. For the most up-to-date compatibility details or newer builds, see the developer's page on GitHub.

How do I flatten a mesh with UV_Flatten_Tool?

UV_Flatten_Tool works from the Object menu. Select a mesh object that has a UV map, open the Object menu, and click "Flatten UV to SK." A dialog then lets you choose "Use Existing Seams" to work from pre-marked seams or "Generate Seams" to have the plugin create them. Confirm the dialog to flatten the UV and create a shape key, then adjust the shape key value in the Shape Keys panel to see the effect.

What's the difference between "Use Existing Seams" and "Generate Seams" in UV_Flatten_Tool?

UV_Flatten_Tool presents both options in its dialog when you run "Flatten UV to SK." The "Use Existing Seams" choice relies on seams you have already marked on the mesh. The "Generate Seams" choice lets the plugin create seams for you, though older files may need copying to a new scene for this to work. Either way, confirming the dialog flattens the UV and stores the result as a shape key.

Does UV_Flatten_Tool change the original mesh?

UV_Flatten_Tool modifies the original model, so backing up your file before running it is recommended. The flattened result is stored as a shape key, which you can control from the Shape Keys panel by adjusting its value. This shape-key approach is what the developer highlights over a Geometry Nodes setup, since it makes follow-up operations like animation or tweaking more convenient. Keep a backup handy in case you want to return to the unmodified mesh.

Is UV_Flatten_Tool free, and how is it licensed?

UV_Flatten_Tool is listed here as free. It is distributed under the GNU General Public License v3.0 or later and requires no special permissions in Blender. For the current licensing terms, source code, and any usage conditions, check the developer's page on GitHub. The add-on is written entirely in Python and installs through Blender's extensions system, either by dragging the file into Blender or using Install from Disk.

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