Normal map - Revision history

Builderbob: /* How a Normal Map works */

2019-08-22T05:39:01Z

How a Normal Map works

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:39, 22 August 2019
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	[[Image:normalhow01.jpg]]		[[Image:normalhow01.jpg]]

	There are a couple important things to note about this example. Let’s take a look at the red channel of the above example. On a given axis a normal can be rotated 90 degrees in ~~either~~ direction. The ~~grayscale~~ values in the normal map represent ~~which way~~ the ~~normal is rotated~~. In our example a value of 0 would rotate the normal -90 degrees, ~~for~~ a value of 128 the normal ~~would be rotated~~ 0 degrees, and ~~for~~ a value of 255, the normal ~~would be rotated~~ +90 degrees. The green channel works in the same way.		There are a couple of important things to note about this example. Let’s take a look at the red channel of the above example. On a given axis a normal can be rotated 90 degrees in any direction. The R values for the pixels in the normal map represent the amount of rotation that will be applied along the X-axis. In our example a value of 0 would rotate the normal to -90 degrees, a value of 128 for the R value would rotate the normal 0 degrees, and a value of 255 would rotate the normal to +90 degrees. The green channel works in the same way for the Y-axis. The use of both the R and G channel values means that the normal can be rotated to any direction.

	[[Image:normalhow02.jpg]]		[[Image:normalhow02.jpg]]

Builderbob: Clarification

2018-08-16T01:54:58Z

Clarification

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:54, 16 August 2018
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	The [[normal map]] uses three channels of texture data to allow per-pixel lighting control. An overview of the normal mapping technique can be found on Wikipedia [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Normal_mapping here]. ~~Rather~~ than ~~define "~~red, green, blue~~" or other color data~~, the normal map ~~determines~~ the X, Y, and Z ~~value~~ for the texel's normal in [[tangent space]].		The [[normal map]] uses three channels of texture data to allow per-pixel lighting control. An overview of the normal mapping technique can be found on Wikipedia [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Normal_mapping here].

			A normal map is stored in an image file, but it is not an image: rather than defining the red, green and blue colors of an image, the normal map RGB values determine the X, Y, and Z values for the texel's normal in [[tangent space]].

	This information is not considered directly human-editable, and you should not attempt to manipulate these channels directly. Specifically, do not adjust the dimensions or contrast of an existing normal map. If you need to adjust the size of a normal map, you will need to rebuild the normal map using the original tools. If you need to adjust the bump height in a normal map, you will need to adjust the source geometry and rebuild the normal map using the original tools. Editing the normal map in photoshop or similar will cause undefined behavior in-game. Additionally, any form of lossy compression (such as .JPG format) will destroy a significant amount of the information contained in a normal map. Do not use lossy formats for storing normal maps even as an intermediate step.		This information is not considered directly human-editable, and you should not attempt to manipulate these channels directly. Specifically, do not adjust the dimensions or contrast of an existing normal map. If you need to adjust the size of a normal map, you will need to rebuild the normal map using the original tools. If you need to adjust the bump height in a normal map, you will need to adjust the source geometry and rebuild the normal map using the original tools. Editing the normal map in photoshop or similar will cause undefined behavior in-game. Additionally, any form of lossy compression (such as .JPG format) will destroy a significant amount of the information contained in a normal map. Do not use lossy formats for storing normal maps even as an intermediate step.

Windwalkr at 08:01, 23 October 2017

2017-10-23T08:01:42Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:01, 23 October 2017
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	The ~~'''normal map''' is an additional texture file used simulaneously with the~~ [[~~diffuse~~ map]] to allow per-pixel lighting control. An overview of the normal mapping technique can be found on Wikipedia [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Normal_mapping here].		The [[normal map]] uses three channels of texture data to allow per-pixel lighting control. An overview of the normal mapping technique can be found on Wikipedia [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Normal_mapping here]. Rather than define "red, green, blue" or other color data, the normal map determines the X, Y, and Z value for the texel's normal in [[tangent space]].

	~~The color channels (red, green, blue) of the normal map determine the X, Y, and Z value for the pixel normal in tangent space.~~ This information is not considered human-editable, and you should not attempt to manipulate these channels directly. Specifically, do not adjust the dimensions or contrast of an existing normal map. If you need to adjust the size of a normal map, you will need to rebuild the normal map using the original tools. If you need to adjust the bump height in a normal map, you will need to adjust the source geometry and rebuild the normal map using the original tools.		This information is not considered directly human-editable, and you should not attempt to manipulate these channels directly. Specifically, do not adjust the dimensions or contrast of an existing normal map. If you need to adjust the size of a normal map, you will need to rebuild the normal map using the original tools. If you need to adjust the bump height in a normal map, you will need to adjust the source geometry and rebuild the normal map using the original tools. Editing the normal map in photoshop or similar will cause undefined behavior in-game. Additionally, any form of lossy compression (such as .JPG format) will destroy a significant amount of the information contained in a normal map. Do not use lossy formats for storing normal maps even as an intermediate step.

	~~Editing the~~ normal ~~map~~ in ~~photoshop or similar will cause undefined behavior in-game. Additionally, any form~~ of ~~lossy compression (such as .JPG format) will destroy~~ a ~~significant amount of the information contained in a normal map~~. ~~Do not use lossy formats for storing normal maps even as an intermediate step.~~		The normal data is most commonly encoded in the RGB channels of a [[texture file]]. The specific [[Material Types\|material type in use]] should be consulted to determine the use of the alpha channel in the same texture- it may be unused or may be used for an unrelated purpose.

	The ~~alpha channel of the normal map is typically used to provide per-pixel control of the~~ [[~~specular highlight~~]]~~. White gives a strong specular, suitable for metals and water. Black gives no specular, more suitable for dark earth. Grays are a mid-strength specular. It is safe~~ to ~~edit~~ the alpha channel in ~~a tool such as photoshop, provided that~~ the ~~color channels are not modified in any way.~~

	~~If no alpha channel is specified, the normal map will default to a full white alpha channel. Since a white alpha channel indicates a strong specular, which will look strongly metallic~~ or ~~plastic on most textures, it is not usually suitable to provide a normal map with no alpha channel. For this reason, it is recommended that the .TGA file format is~~ used for ~~alpha channels~~.

	==How a Normal Map works==		==How a Normal Map works==
	Normal maps work by modifying the normal of the ~~pixel. Typically a~~ normal will stick straight up from the surface~~; a~~ normal map will rotate that normal on either the Y ~~or X axis~~.		Normal maps work by modifying the normal used when rendering a [[fragment]]. By default, the normal will stick straight up from the geometric surface. A normal map will rotate that normal on either the (tangent space) X or Y axes.

	In the following example we look strictly at the red channel; which controls the X axis of the normal. The arrows represent the normals. In example A there would be no normal map applied so all the normals would point straight away from the surface. In example B a normal map would be applied, modifying the normals in the appropriate areas.		In the following example we look strictly at the red channel; which controls the X axis of the normal. The arrows represent the normals. In example A there would be no normal map applied so all the normals would point straight away from the surface. In example B a normal map would be applied, modifying the normals in the appropriate areas.

Builderbob: Qualify for some textures

2013-07-29T06:26:04Z

Qualify for some textures

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:26, 29 July 2013
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	==Creating a Normal Map for a Ground Texture==		==Creating a Normal Map for a Ground Texture==

	A normal map used for a 3D model is created in a 3D editing program such as Blender or 3D Studio Max using the 3D information in the mesh. This is known as Baking. ~~Ground~~ textures do not use a 3D mesh, so if you want to use a normal map with a ground texture you need to create it for yourself. This can be done using software that interprets the 3D information in a texture image using colors or brightness, or it can be done using a drawing program where you actually edit the images that make up the normal map.		A normal map used for a 3D model is created in a 3D editing program such as Blender or 3D Studio Max using the 3D information in the mesh. This is known as Baking. Most ground textures do not use a 3D mesh, so if you want to use a normal map with ground texture that has no mesh you need to create it for yourself. This can be done using software that interprets the 3D information in a texture image using colors or brightness, or it can be done using a drawing program where you actually edit the images that make up the normal map.

	NVidia provides a plugin for Photoshop the can create a normal map from an image:		NVidia provides a plugin for Photoshop the can create a normal map from an image:

Builderbob: sp

2013-07-29T06:21:13Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:21, 29 July 2013
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	==Creating a Normal Map for a Ground Texture==		==Creating a Normal Map for a Ground Texture==

	A normal map used for a 3D model is created in a 3D editing program such as Blender or 3D Studio Max using the 3D information in the mesh. This is known as Baking. Ground textures do not use a 3D mesh, so if you want to use a normal map with a ground ~~text~~ you need to create it for yourself. This can be done using software that interprets the 3D information in a texture image using colors or brightness, or it can be done using a drawing program where you actually edit the images that make up the normal map.		A normal map used for a 3D model is created in a 3D editing program such as Blender or 3D Studio Max using the 3D information in the mesh. This is known as Baking. Ground textures do not use a 3D mesh, so if you want to use a normal map with a ground texture you need to create it for yourself. This can be done using software that interprets the 3D information in a texture image using colors or brightness, or it can be done using a drawing program where you actually edit the images that make up the normal map.

	NVidia provides a plugin for Photoshop the can create a normal map from an image:		NVidia provides a plugin for Photoshop the can create a normal map from an image:

Builderbob: Normal maps in ground textures.

2013-07-29T06:15:20Z

Normal maps in ground textures.

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:15, 29 July 2013
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	Note: The ModifyMap token, with a setting of flipgreen, can be used in the texture file to flip the green (Y) channel for a normal map.		Note: The ModifyMap token, with a setting of flipgreen, can be used in the texture file to flip the green (Y) channel for a normal map.

			==Creating a Normal Map for a Ground Texture==

			A normal map used for a 3D model is created in a 3D editing program such as Blender or 3D Studio Max using the 3D information in the mesh. This is known as Baking. Ground textures do not use a 3D mesh, so if you want to use a normal map with a ground text you need to create it for yourself. This can be done using software that interprets the 3D information in a texture image using colors or brightness, or it can be done using a drawing program where you actually edit the images that make up the normal map.

			NVidia provides a plugin for Photoshop the can create a normal map from an image:
			[https://developer.nvidia.com/nvidia-texture-tools-adobe-photoshop NVidia Texture Tools for Adobe Photoshop]

			GIMP has a similar plugin available:
			[http://registry.gimp.org/node/69 normalmap]

			Paint.Net has several plugins. There is one that creates the map from an image:
			[http://forums.getpaint.net/index.php?/topic/24587-normal-map-renderer/ Paint.Net Normal Map Renderer plugin]

			and another that allows you to edit the bump map, the specularity, the reflectivity and the reversal as separate images:
			[http://forums.getpaint.net/index.php?showtopic=23936 Paint.Net The Normal Tools plugin]

			Other graphics editing programs may have similar features, either built-in or available as a plugin.

	[[Category:Normal mapping]]		[[Category:Normal mapping]]

Builderbob: /* Baking Normal Maps Using Max */

2012-05-01T06:21:14Z

Baking Normal Maps Using Max

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:21, 1 May 2012
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	Note that normal maps produced by Max typically have a reversed green (Y) channel. At the current time, this must be fixed after export by manually opening the resultant normal map in photoshop, selecting only the Green channel, and using the Invert (ctrl-I) tool. Failure to correct the green channel results in incorrect lighting effects within the game environment, destroying the effectiveness of the normal map.		Note that normal maps produced by Max typically have a reversed green (Y) channel. At the current time, this must be fixed after export by manually opening the resultant normal map in photoshop, selecting only the Green channel, and using the Invert (ctrl-I) tool. Failure to correct the green channel results in incorrect lighting effects within the game environment, destroying the effectiveness of the normal map.

	Note: The ModifyMap token, with a setting of flipgreen, can be used in the texture file to flip the green (Y) channel for a normal map.		Note: The ModifyMap token, with a setting of flipgreen, can be used in the texture file to flip the green (Y) channel for a normal map.

	[[Category:Normal mapping]]		[[Category:Normal mapping]]

Builderbob: /* Baking Normal Maps Using Max */ Note re using ModifyMap token to flip the green channel

2012-05-01T06:20:44Z

Baking Normal Maps Using Max: Note re using ModifyMap token to flip the green channel

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:20, 1 May 2012
Line 64:		Line 64:

	Note that normal maps produced by Max typically have a reversed green (Y) channel. At the current time, this must be fixed after export by manually opening the resultant normal map in photoshop, selecting only the Green channel, and using the Invert (ctrl-I) tool. Failure to correct the green channel results in incorrect lighting effects within the game environment, destroying the effectiveness of the normal map.		Note that normal maps produced by Max typically have a reversed green (Y) channel. At the current time, this must be fixed after export by manually opening the resultant normal map in photoshop, selecting only the Green channel, and using the Invert (ctrl-I) tool. Failure to correct the green channel results in incorrect lighting effects within the game environment, destroying the effectiveness of the normal map.
			Note: The ModifyMap token, with a setting of flipgreen, can be used in the texture file to flip the green (Y) channel for a normal map.

	[[Category:Normal mapping]]		[[Category:Normal mapping]]

Retro00064: Introduction: cleaned-up reference to Wikipedia

2011-09-05T02:48:45Z

Introduction: cleaned-up reference to Wikipedia

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:48, 5 September 2011
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	The '''normal map''' is an additional texture file used simulaneously with the [[diffuse map]] to allow per-pixel lighting control. An overview of the normal mapping technique can be found on ~~wikipedia~~ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Normal_mapping].		The '''normal map''' is an additional texture file used simulaneously with the [[diffuse map]] to allow per-pixel lighting control. An overview of the normal mapping technique can be found on Wikipedia [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Normal_mapping here].

	The color channels (red, green, blue) of the normal map determine the X, Y, and Z value for the pixel normal in tangent space. This information is not considered human-editable, and you should not attempt to manipulate these channels directly. Specifically, do not adjust the dimensions or contrast of an existing normal map. If you need to adjust the size of a normal map, you will need to rebuild the normal map using the original tools. If you need to adjust the bump height in a normal map, you will need to adjust the source geometry and rebuild the normal map using the original tools.		The color channels (red, green, blue) of the normal map determine the X, Y, and Z value for the pixel normal in tangent space. This information is not considered human-editable, and you should not attempt to manipulate these channels directly. Specifically, do not adjust the dimensions or contrast of an existing normal map. If you need to adjust the size of a normal map, you will need to rebuild the normal map using the original tools. If you need to adjust the bump height in a normal map, you will need to adjust the source geometry and rebuild the normal map using the original tools.

Retro00064: Introduction: made the initial occurance of "normal map" bold.

2011-09-05T02:47:23Z

Introduction: made the initial occurance of "normal map" bold.

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:47, 5 September 2011
Line 1:		Line 1:
	The normal map is an additional texture file used simulaneously with the [[diffuse map]] to allow per-pixel lighting control. An overview of the normal mapping technique can be found on wikipedia [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Normal_mapping].		The '''normal map''' is an additional texture file used simulaneously with the [[diffuse map]] to allow per-pixel lighting control. An overview of the normal mapping technique can be found on wikipedia [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Normal_mapping].

	The color channels (red, green, blue) of the normal map determine the X, Y, and Z value for the pixel normal in tangent space. This information is not considered human-editable, and you should not attempt to manipulate these channels directly. Specifically, do not adjust the dimensions or contrast of an existing normal map. If you need to adjust the size of a normal map, you will need to rebuild the normal map using the original tools. If you need to adjust the bump height in a normal map, you will need to adjust the source geometry and rebuild the normal map using the original tools.		The color channels (red, green, blue) of the normal map determine the X, Y, and Z value for the pixel normal in tangent space. This information is not considered human-editable, and you should not attempt to manipulate these channels directly. Specifically, do not adjust the dimensions or contrast of an existing normal map. If you need to adjust the size of a normal map, you will need to rebuild the normal map using the original tools. If you need to adjust the bump height in a normal map, you will need to adjust the source geometry and rebuild the normal map using the original tools.