How to generate a simple normal map from a texture?

Question

Hi,

I'm looking for a simple guide on how to make and apply a normal map to my simple model. I've watched a bunch of videos and read docs but it's not the same process for me.

1. I have a wooden crate from blender that isnt textured but I exported the uv map/material.

2. In SP I filled the crate with a wood texture.

3. At this point, how do I generate a normal map from the colour texture to bring out the grains of wood? I added the same texture to the normal map fill channel but it looks odd.

Do I need to bake the colour map first? If so, how do I then apply the normal map that gets baked?

Thank you!

Cyril Dellenbach · Accepted Answer

Hi @sw2349600,

Thanks for the question.

Unfortunately, you can't simply drag and drop a Base Color map in the Normal map slot, this won't work at all. Usually, you have an already made Normal map, you create it yourself, or you bake it from a High Poly model.

With that being said, this isn't a very common workflow, but if you want to turn your Base Color into a Normal, Photoshop has a feature precisely for this purpose. Here is a link for a tutorial.

Best regards,

sw2349600 · Answer

Ok thanks.

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