How to generate a simple normal map from a texture?

[sw2349600]

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 solution]

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,

[davescm]

Be aware that 3D in Photoshop is deprecated and due to be removed. That includes Normal map and Bump Map functions.

https://helpx.adobe.com/uk/photoshop/kb/3d-faq.html

If you are using a library material that includes height or normal, then when exporting you can use a converted normal map which will include the height information.

If you only have the basecolor map (or even a photograph of a similar material) rather than a full material, then you could use the functions in Substance Sampler to create a 3D material which would include a normal map from that single image. Then use that resulting material in Painter.

Dave

[sw2349600]

Ok thanks.