Normal map generator has unwanted halo / blur

[Michael Grosberg]

Hello all, 

I'm trying to create a normal map based on a height map I have. 

The source image is pretty technical so the height map is mostly squares of all sizes and they are somewhat far apart. 

I found out that when I try to create a normal map based on this input image, Photoshop adds a blurry halo around each element. I think it's unnnoticeable when the input image  is some sort of texture with lots of detail. But in this case, the output is completely unusable as it creates artifacts in the 3d renderer.

Now, there used to be a perfectly fine Nvidia filter that could create normal mpas but it doesn't work anymore - if you try to add the plugin to Photoshop, it just crashes. 

I'm attaching a part of the source image, plus the expected output  - generated using the Nvidia standalone tool - and the result form the photoshop internal "generate normal map" tool.

Is there any way I can create valid normal maps inside photoshop or do I have to use expternal applications from now on?

[Ussnorway]

Adobe is well aware that their normal map filter is busted... the short version is they are trying to make a Windows Nvidia filter work with Mac and have not spend the $ \ time yet

anyway yes Photoshop can make a useful normal map... I judge that to be around 5% cad detail but it sounds like you upgraded without testing so my recommend would be to go back to the other version of Photoshop which your 3rd party plugin was designed for (betting you have other Gpu issues as well) so that you stay inside your comfort zone