Skip to main content
R
riccardof86429677
Known Participant
February 1, 2023
Answered

Normal to Height

  • February 1, 2023
  • 1 reply
  • 1518 views

Hi everyone, 

I'm trying to convert a normal map to a height map with geometric accuracy. Sampler does the job pretty well (with some minor approximation), however it limits the size to 4096 x 4096 and it stretches it into a square format. Is there a way in sampler to have the native resolution and ratio? Or is there any other adobe app that does a normal to height conversion with the same level of accuracy of sampler but preserving size and ratio?

Thanks Riccardo

PS:  does anyone know which is the exact formula sampler achieve to give this result? 

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer LoryAline

Sure: here are the normal map and two screenshots explaining the problem:

 normal map tested

 

expected shape calculated with a more robust error minimization algorithm

the shape produced by substance using the normal-to-height filter, locally gives a rather correct result, but the perimeters are completely flattened thus globally the more you get closer to the perimeter the more error you get


Hi,

Can you try to enable the "preserve tiling" in the filter properties? 
It works on my end, and enabled or not it doesn't seem to influence the map quality at export. 


Thank you!

1 reply

Ares Hovhannesyan
Community Expert
Ares HovhannesyanCommunity Expert
Community Expert
February 2, 2023

Did you use Normal to Height | Substance 3D Sampler (adobe.com) filter? Thanks

R
riccardof86429677Author
Known Participant
February 2, 2023

Yes, and it is the best I've used so far, it preserves perfectly the real geometry and it is super robust and fast, however sampler always stretches the textures to square ratios, and it only allows to export up to 4k res is it right?

 

If adobe do not provide any solution to transform normal into height (I also consider other adobe apps if they have what I'm looking for) I might consider to rebuild the algorithm via script, but I'm not a programmer or a matematician so I would need reference bibliography for that, I've already found plenty of alternative approaces, but the sampler's one is the best one I've found in terms of geometric accuracy and speed, do you know if adobe ever published a paper explaining their approach?

LoryAline
Community Manager
LoryAlineCommunity Manager
Community Manager
February 2, 2023

Hi,
You should be able to export non square maps, by click on the lock icon (in viewport and export window).
But the resolution must to be a factor of two. 

The biggest resolution we can export from 3D Sampler today is 4k.

Regards.

Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices