---
title: "Create texture map"
url: /docs/en-us/art/accessories/creating/texture-map
last_updated: 2026-06-11T23:11:41Z
description: "Generate a 2D texture map image that you can save your texture painting to."
---

# Create texture map

Creating seams and unwrapping tells Blender how to project the 3D surface of the clothing item in 2D. Before you can apply any texture appearance changes, you need to create a texture map, which is the specific 2D image you apply and save your textures to.

To create a new texture map:

1. With the clothing mesh selected, navigate to the **Properties** panel > **Material Preview** tab.
2. Select the **+ New** button.
3. Next to Base Color, select the **yellow dot** and click **Image Texture**.
4. Click the **+ New** button.
  1. Name the texture image the same as your clothing mesh with a `_TXT` affix.
  2. Set the color to black, or any base color of your preference.
  3. Keep the rest of the default settings.
  4. Press **OK** when completed.