Converting an existing texture/bump map into a normal map
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Hello!
I wish to know if its possible to convert bump/texture maps (V4) into a normal map, and if so, how do I achieve that? I googled a lot and only found ways to create normal maps from images, but not how to convert an already-existing bump/texture into normal.
thanks!
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@gsfcreator If you use Photoshop, Nvidia has a free conversion plugin for it. You have to use the diffuse map rather than a greyscale because an 8 bit greyscale map won't convert.
https://developer.nvidia.com/nvidia-texture-tools-adobe-photoshop
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@Glitterati3D thanks, my friend, gonna check it out!!! :)
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Hi guys
I would try this free application or SW.its great for creating normal,displacement maps,AO etc
http://boundingboxsoftware.com/materialize/downloads.php
Hope this helps
Thanks,Jura
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@gsfcreator
If you are using Gimp there is an excellent plugin for it called Insane Bump - you open your texture map make a few adjustments in the settings and it creates Diffuse, Displacement, Occlusion, Normal and Specular images, you can even choose the level of your finished normal map (with range from Low-Normal to Super-Normal)It's nearly worthwhile installing Gimp just to use Insane Bump...
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@jura11 thanks, Jura! I'm going to check it out :)
@tastiger thanks! I never used gimp, unfortunately, and I'm already feeling like I'm trying to do too many things on my own - getting a mediocre results at best on some of the areas I'm simply not good/knowledgeable enough. I wish to hire some pro texture-creator to do this specific work for me, but can't find anyone who specialize on this on fivver.
if you guys know any good poser/DAZ texture artist that offers his services for $$$, I'll be happy to know about them. I'll open a separate post maybe.
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Here is a free online solution from github
http://cpetry.github.io/NormalMap-Online/
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@tastiger I'm looking for this pluging everywhere, to no avail :(. the link people post in the forums seems to be dead. any ideas?
this is supposed to be the link:
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@gsfcreator said in Converting an existing texture/bump map into a normal map:
@tastiger I'm looking for this pluging everywhere, to no avail :(. the link people post in the forums seems to be dead. any ideas?
this is supposed to be the link:
Try this link
https://gimper.net/resources/insane-bump.377/
Hope this helps
Thanks, Jura
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@jura11 thanks, Jura! I've found this page and thought I downloaded the wrong file. I can't seem to make it work on gimp. took the 64bit file, placed it in the right folder - but when I browse through gimp's plugins - its simply not there. there is probably something I'm missing, being a first-time gimp user...
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@gsfcreator said in Converting an existing texture/bump map into a normal map:
@jura11 thanks, Jura! I've found this page and thought I downloaded the wrong file. I can't seem to make it work on gimp. took the 64bit file, placed it in the right folder - but when I browse through gimp's plugins - its simply not there. there is probably something I'm missing, being a first-time gimp user...
I installed as per instructions and rather than try to describe where it is in my Gimp here is a screen shot.
BTW for those who have mentioned that they don't want to learn Gimp, I agree that if you are happy with your current image application, there is no reason to change, The only reason I have Gimp installed is for this neat little plugin, the rest of the time I am a Corel Photopaint man.
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@gsfcreator Superfly converts bump maps into Normal maps on the fly.
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Krita => www.Krita.org, free download can create Normal maps from textures too, and you get a "subscreen" to control the effect.
See example below from a face texture.
Best regards, Tony
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You guys are awesome, thanks!!! :)
@tastiger did you got an .exe file as the plugin? for 64 bit there's a strange file without the .exe. I placed it in the (I think) correct folder, but it won't appear in gimp. strange.
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@gsfcreator said in Converting an existing texture/bump map into a normal map:
@tastiger did you got an .exe file as the plugin? for 64 bit there's a strange file without the .exe. I placed it in the (I think) correct folder, but it won't appear in gimp. strange.
It is strange - I only have an InsaneBump.py in my plugins directory.
But you can try C:\Users\your_user-name.gimp-2.8\plug-ins (for some reason the forum isn't adding in the '' after your_user_name)
I removed the python file and put the .exe in and it still works.
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@gsfcreator
Caught out by the edit timeout
there is a back slash after your_user_name
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This post is deleted!
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@tastiger I think i got it!!! there is also an .exe in the package. i copied it before to the right folder, but didn't knew where to look for the plugin. now i know - thanks to you!!! <3 :)
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@gsfcreator said in Converting an existing texture/bump map into a normal map:
@tastiger I think i got it!!! there is also an .exe in the package. i copied it before to the right folder, but didn't knew where to look for the plugin. now i know - thanks to you!!! <3 :)
Enjoy!
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I haven't used Gimp since getting this laptop. Back when I still had my old laptop, I still had a desktop with Photoshop, so I downloaded and installed Gimp on the laptop, and I liked it, but I never got a new desktop when the old one died, and now that I just have the laptop, I preferred to use Photoshop.
That said, I've made Bump and Normal maps with Filter Forge, as there are quite a good number of filters available for them. I think I even have one that makes Normal maps from Bump maps.
