Hi,
I want to create a texture for my soda can in Blender. For this, I need the original template of the soda can. But how can I create a flat 2D image from a cylindrical soda can?
Currently, I photographed the soda can from multiple angles and removed the background. But how can I now create a flat 2D image? Is there a fast solution in Photoshop for this?
Sven
After UV Unwrapping, you can store the Unwrapped UV and place the design in the 2D editing program.
Please refer to Dongyeo-sang
If I understand correctly your problem is that in the photos the texture is âwrappedâ around the can and is distorted (shrunken on the sides).
2 possible ways, occur to me.
1 Unwrap the can with âproject from viewâ, that would take into account the shrinking, but the sides will have less resolution - texel desity.
2 Drink the soda, cut the can up (cut the top and bottom off leaving only the sides and cut along the seam at the side) - carefully do not cut yourself! Then flatten it and scan it (or do a photo.)
No quick action in PS is going to get you a 2d layout for your soda can from photographs that I am aware of - you are more likely going to need to do some measuring of the can and then use a canvas size that allows you to create a 2d layout. I prefer Illustrator or Inkscape for vector work like that and export the vector images to png for texture. Your texture needs to be solid fills and controlled gradients without lighting, so just using the camera images wonât really do it.
Part of the work I do with Blender is to use it with exported images from Illustrator from dielines I have done for packaging and model the cartons to simulate photography of the finished product. The cool part is I use Blender for the product shot in the dieline artwork as well as linked PSD.
Thank you for the response, but I think there was a misunderstanding. My goal is to turn a real-world soda can into a flat 2D texture that I can use in Blender, not the other way around.
Iâve already taken multiple photos of the soda can from different angles and removed the background. Now, Iâm looking for a way to âunwrapâ these images into a flat 2D texture, similar to UV unwrapping but for real photos of an existing object.
Could you suggest a way to do this? Is there a quick method in Photoshop or another tool to flatten these photos into a texture that can be applied to a 3D model in Blender?
Thanks again for your help!
Sven
I mean, could you not just flatten the actual can, and then scan/take a picture, and clean up in photoshop?
Depending on how many images you have, you could try photogrammetry software to build a 3D model from your images. You can then just wrap a cylinder around the outputted 3D model, and bake it.
Can I ask why not just take a readily available texture from the internet?
Like so ??
The python script in the below thread
flattens a cylindrical shape (if it is without top or bottom and open). If someone has previously projected (project from view) the can photos on the cylinder a flat view can be shown. Check the cylinder i made (i beveled on edge and deleted the middle to open the shape) but the reflection and the different projection views will be a problem. So just project your photos on your model IMO.
soda_flat.blend (999.0 KB)
So now for real:
but in a 90 degree angle and then âstickingâ them together by a panorama sw⌠or simply cropping th center part and putting togetherâŚ
Itâs for a competition. You have to create a model of a soda can for a company, and I want to create it in Blender.
Do you know a good software?
Yes, I use Photoshop, but itâs very time-consuming if you edit image by image (I have 50 photos).
Is it supposed to be a contest to recreate a proprietary IP like Coca Cola or Pepsi, or are you supposed to create a new product that hasnât been seen before? I would question the nature of the competition if they want you to use copyrighted trademarked IP for the submissions.
If it is just about asking how to make a new texture, trace the best photo you have with your curves in whatever program you want to use - then create the text blocks from retyping them and add the recycle logos and whatever else is going on. You could use Blender through a camera looking down from top view, set to the resolution you need for your finished texture. You can then arrange the elements the way you want, use emission shaders as a way to avoid shadows being part of the output and render your image texture. Load that up to your can model shader using UV and youâre done.
You can use Inkscape to do the tracing and export to raster there as well.
Itâs a German product. And the company started a competition for a commercial ad for it. My decision was to create a Blender ad. But for this, I need the layout of the can. Currently, itâs a silver can in my clip 
Layout is the key - that is an art form all its own. I suggest using a flexible measuring tape often used by tailors in sewing, and stick to mm as you will find it easier to establish relationships in your layout.
Measure the can layout - circumference and height. If you deal with it as rounded panels that have a definite pattern - usually at least two sides have the logo, background wraps about and there is an UPC with contents and warnings block, along with a âcontact usâ. If you divide the can layout that way, you should be able to make one that looks close enough without spending time on panoramic stitching and manually removing shadows and highlights.
I just checked two cans here, and the beer can logo goes around the can almost all the way with just enough room for the contents/warnings/contact blocks, and the soda can here is one that has a single side for the logo and then the opposite side has all the rest.
Itâs not such a good way to take pictures of labels and use them.
Most of them are glossy, so itâs hard to get the results you want and some products show glossy metal as it is.
Products with a lot of label information can be searched and found.
If not, it is best to make it yourself.
Arrange the photographs taken in the form of labels and use them as guides to produce them using Photoshop or illustrations. 
