ID map

3DCoat can import and utilize ID maps, but it does not have a simple, one-click function to automatically bake them from a high-poly sculpt like some other software.

Using ID Maps in 3DCoat

• Importing: You can import an externally created ID map (from a program like Blender, Maya, or Substance Painter) by going to the Textures menu and selecting Import Layers Colors. This imports the map as a new layer in your layer stack, which you can then use for masking and selections.
• Manual Creation (Workaround): A common workaround within 3DCoat involves manually assigning different, bright, flat colors to different UV islands or material sections in the texture editor. This can then be exported as a PSD file and saved as a PNG for external use.
• Alternative Workflow: 3DCoat offers a powerful Fill tool that can limit the fill area by polygon angle, which often reduces the need for a dedicated ID map for hard-surface painting, allowing users to apply smart materials to specific areas with a single click.

While the software requires a more manual approach or an external program to generate the initial map, it does support incorporating ID maps into its texturing workflow for masking and isolating areas.