Packer-IO is a free tool for working with deployment

Packer-IO is based on the same technology as UV-Packer, a UV-packing plugin from 3d-io for 3ds Max, which the company released for free in 2020, and later released versions for Blender and UE5. These plugins automatically arrange UV segments of the model to minimize unused UV space, reducing the overall file size for texture sets. They are resolution-independent, so packing time remains consistent regardless of texture resolution, and they support tile-based UV layout used in applications like ZBrush.

Packer-IO utilizes the same functionality and puts it into a standalone application, allowing it to be used with other DCC applications and game engines such as Cinema 4D, Maya, and Unity. The application features an optimized user interface, described by 3d-io as an attempt to "move away from conservative Excel-like interfaces" to make the UV-packing process more intuitive.
Users can import 3D models in various standard formats, including OBJ, FBX, glTF, Collada (DAE), PLY, and STL, and then export the unfolded model with packed UV rays. The imported model can be previewed in the Packer-IO viewport using a special object manager to hide or delete components, as well as a Looks widget to adjust their appearance. Users can drag and drop ready-made shaders onto geometry, including control maps for visualizing UV stretching, shaders for visualizing normals, and a range of MatCap materials.

Packer-IO can perform automatic packing for both organic and hard-surface models, and it supports assets with "thousands of maps and millions of polygons." Users can fine-tune the results using a "simple and fast UV channel management system" and an optimized set of packing options. In the comments section of the video announcing the program's launch, which is posted at the top of the news, 3d-io mentions that future versions are planned to include automatic UV unfolding and retopology.

Packer-IO is compatible with Windows 10 and above, and macOS 10.15 and above. The Mac version natively supports Apple Silicon processors. The software is free and licensed for use in commercial projects. 3d-io also develops commercial UV tools, including Unwrella, a UV unwrapping plugin for 3ds Max and Maya, and UV-Packer SDK for integrating the technology into other programs.