Projection Modes
How a texture is mapped onto the model
Also known as: Painter projection · UV projection · Tri-planar projection · Planar projection · Substance Painter projection modes
Definition
Projection modes in Substance Painter decide how a texture or material is mapped onto the model. UV projection follows the UV layout, Tri-planar projects from three directions and blends them, which hides seams and stretching on organic shapes, and Planar, Spherical and Cylindrical projections project the texture from a single shape. Each fill layer and each stamp can use its own mode, set in the layer's properties.
In production
Use UV projection for tileable materials on well-made UVs and Tri-planar for rocks, terrain and objects with awkward UVs. Planar projections suit decals and labels, and a stamp lets you move and rotate the projection by hand. If a texture looks stretched on one side, switch to Tri-planar or fix the UV density. The projection does not change the UVs of the model.
