UV mapping

At some point in their work, 3D artists need to cover the 3D object in texture — color or any other material properties. To do so, they use UVW coordinates that organize the process of wrapping a 2D image onto a 3D object seamlessly — UV mapping. In other words, think of unpeeling an orange, laying the peel out flat, and wrapping it back around the orange. UV mapping makes sure each point of a 2D texture image knows exactly where it should be placed and fits perfectly without stretching or pinching.