UV_Flatten_Tool is a free Blender add‑on that flattens a mesh using its active UV map and records the result as an adjustable shape key, aiding animation and mesh tweaking.
Developed by maylog.
About UV_Flatten_Tool
UV_Flatten_Tool flattens a mesh according to its active UV coordinates and stores the outcome as a shape key, which can be edited in Blender’s Shape Keys panel. The add‑on runs from the Object menu via the “Flatten UV to SK” command and offers two seam options: “Use Existing Seams” for meshes with pre‑marked seams, and “Generate Seams” which creates seams automatically, though older files may need to be copied to a new scene. After flattening, the shape key value can be adjusted to preview the effect. Version 1.0.7 is compatible with Blender 4.4 and newer, requires no special permissions, and is distributed under the GNU GPL v3.0 or later. It is written in Python and is part of the blender_extensions library.
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
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.
Frequently asked questions
Does UV_Flatten_Tool work with Blender 4.4?
Yes. UV_Flatten_Tool lists compatibility with Blender 4.4 and newer, so it runs on current 4.4‑series releases and later versions.
How do I flatten a mesh with UV_Flatten_Tool?
Select a mesh with a UV map, open the Object menu, choose “Flatten UV to SK,” pick either “Use Existing Seams” or “Generate Seams,” confirm, then adjust the new shape key in the Shape Keys panel.
What’s the difference between “Use Existing Seams” and “Generate Seams” in UV_Flatten_Tool?
“Use Existing Seams” relies on seams you have already marked on the mesh, while “Generate Seams” lets the add‑on create seams automatically; the latter may require copying older files to a new scene.
Does UV_Flatten_Tool change the original mesh?
The add‑on modifies the original mesh, storing the flattened geometry as a shape key, so backing up the file beforehand is recommended.
Is UV_Flatten_Tool free, and how is it licensed?
UV_Flatten_Tool is free and distributed under the GNU General Public License v3.0 or later. No special Blender permissions are required.
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