How do I use mesh clothing templates?

[Zapphoria]

A friend gave me loads of mesh clothing templates and I haven't a clue how to use them. I have specular maps, UV maps, etc. If anyone can lend a helping hand I would greatly appreciate it! Thanks!

[Lindal Kidd]

Texturing 3D objects is the subject of whole college courses, and we can't begin to cover it here!

However, a few points:

First, you ALSO need the 3D model that the textures are made for.  This will be a file in the format .dae or .obj, or perhaps another 3D model file type.

A UV map is an "exploded" view of a 3D object.  Imagine taking a cardboard box, cutting it along its edges, and laying it out flat on the floor.  UV maps are used for many things, but one primary purpose is to serve as a template.  You import the UV map into a paint program like Photoshop, and apply texture(s) to it.  Then the finished texture is "wrapped" back onto the original 3D model.

A specular map is an image that shows where the shinier, and the less shiny, part of a model are.  It can be used to apply grime and other details.

A bump map is used to create the appearance of a bumpy or irregular surface without actually adding geometry (triangles) to the 3D model.  When you apply a skin to your avatar that has "cleavage enhancement", you are putting on a texture that appears to make your breasts look fuller due to shading...a form of bump mapping.

There are tons of tutorials out there for the free Blender 3D software, both video and text with illustrations.  Try some of the basic ones, and work up to clothing creation.

[Amethyst Jetaime]

The statement "a friend gave me loads of mesh clothing templates" has me worried.  Unless she created them herself, it is highly unlikely she is allowed under the license she got with the mesh to give them away.  Before doing anything you have to check if you have legal copies.  If you don't do this, you could get into a lot of trouble in SL and RL for intellectual property infringment.

You should look at each mesh in edit mode to see who the creator is.  If not your friend, IM the creator and ask them.