normal map

[crackhead]

hi i'm really confused about how to make a normal map. i am nearly finished with a model im working on. when its all finished do i need to then duplicated it and work even more on the other model making it really really detailed. then what do i do. also should i use zbrush to do this? i have it on a disc.

 

[Ti133700N]

You can make a high poly model version with any 3D modeling package you like or Zbrush (works good especially for organic models). Then you can use a program that can generate a normal map from a model. You can use the free ORB software or Max 7 (but I think you don't like Max very much) so it's up to you. You can also do it in XSI but I have no idea how to do it in XSI.

 

[JudasKing]

you can also paint a normal map. you paint a grayscale (bump map) then convert it to a normal map (for photoshop u can use nvidia's dds plugin). also, since normal maps use the low poly model's projections, you can't use straight extrusions on ur model, or paint with a solid brush or it'll look terrible heh. for a much more detailed (too detailed imo, couldn't read the whole thing heh) description of the high poly method: http://www.monitorstudios.com/bcloward/tutorials_normal_maps1.html
http://poopinmymouth.com/tutorial/normal_workflow.htm

 

[crackhead]

oh thanks guys. also whats so good about zbrush how can it be easyer to do this on that?

 

[JudasKing]

zbrush just has painting tools implemented right in it, and you can paint on the model itself without exporting uv's & such. i know people boast about it's 'awesome' ability to smooth models too for some reason, but what program doesn't do that -_- easier to get details exactly where u want them in zbrush tho.

 

[crackhead]

oh ok i have a deeppaint 3d anyway lol. btw can anyone explain to me what a normal map actualy is coz im really confused. is it the same as a bumpmap?

 

[mindless_moder]

its not painting on models its painting models....zbrush offers advanced paint based micro triangular geometric deformations (thats right i like zee big wordz)
which is good news for organic modelers and owners of graphic tablets

 

[JudasKing]

w/e same thing -_- painting deformations on model... but u can still paint ON them too for skinning.

 

[Stieffers]

If you're interested I have a video tutorial on normal mapping using Maya which you can find here.

 

[Vulture117]

lol mindless I thought you were mean to everyone but I can see im the only one who you dont answer my questions and complain about noobs cloging the forums.

Because I asked the exsact same question and I didnt get help lol

 

[crackhead]

well thanks for the help guys judas explained it in great detail on msn . stieffers thanks for the link only i use xsi not maya.

 

[mindless_moder]

lol mindless I thought you were mean to everyone but I can see im the only one who you dont answer my questions and complain about noobs cloging the forums.

Because I asked the exsact same question and I didnt get help lol

i help a lot of guys around here i just dont like it when people post before looking through the forums.

 

[Shinobi]

If you're interested I have a video tutorial on normal mapping using Maya which you can find here.

Hey you inadvertendly helped me out considerably

thanks

 

[crackhead]

lol mindless I thought you were mean to everyone but I can see im the only one who you dont answer my questions and complain about noobs cloging the forums.

Because I asked the exsact same question and I didnt get help lol

five people had posted before he posted and my question had already been answered by then.

 

[Vulture117]

yea i know im a bit of a lazy bastard