normal maps on models??

[rob_beddall]

hey
i have managed to import my model and texture fine.
but when i add a normal map to it the model disappears.
i have tried the different lighting options in the .vmt file but none work.
the model is there in the viewer if i change it to wireframe.

can you put normal maps on models?
what is the difference between a Map texture and a Model texture?

thanks

 

[mindless_moder]

how did you do the normal mapping ? did you unwrap the high res acording to the map of the low res?

 

[rob_beddall]

hey!!

i didn't unwrap the hi-res model.
i created the normal maps using zbrush.
the normal maps work fine in the max viewports.

i really have no idea why my model disappears when i apply the normal map.

any more help on this would be great.

cheers!!

 

[CommandoSR]

how did you do the normal mapping ? did you unwrap the high res acording to the map of the low res?

Er.. I thought unwrapping the high poly model is unneccassary?

 

[mindless_moder]

im really not sure about that ... i recently read an article which said it was and a friend of mine who does it told me that it was necessary . ive personaly never been able to get the darn things to match up

 

[CommandoSR]

im really not sure about that ... i recently read an article which said it was and a friend of mine who does it told me that it was necessary . ive personaly never been able to get the darn things to match up

It is nearly impossible to get them match identically. You only need to upwrap the low poly model.

 

[Ti133700N]

It is nearly impossible to get them match identically. You only need to upwrap the low poly model.

Quoted for truth, and I can tell by experience.

The problem must be in the vmt. (or in the name of the texture ( _normal )

 

[rob_beddall]

hey!!

some of the older normal mapping tools required you to also unwrap the hi res model the same way as the low res model.

but i've never worked with a tool that requires this.

is there a certain naming convention for the normal maps?

i was under the impression that the name didn't matter as long as the .vmt pointed to thr right file under the $bumpmapping$ thing.

cheers!!