How are people making normal maps?

[Roozsta]

The time has finally come to up my normal mapping game. I know the basics of normal mapping, but I've noticed that when getting feedback from GIANTS they linked an image that shows "acceptable quality normalMap made from UVMap with third party plug in":

https://image.giants-software.com/index ... codes=true

None of the modders I know have been able to make normal maps as crisp as that image or what some of the biggest modders make. Does anyone know what that plugin they might be referring to is? Anyone have tips on making really clean normal maps? Any help would be appreciated.

[TheSuBBie]

Have a look at the following it will give you an idea of the texture set up

https://gdn.giants-software.com/documen ... ontent.php

and also inform you of the plug in used.

Other software can also create normal maps
Gimp --Filters--Generic--Normal Map
Paint.net with the Normal Map plus plug in
Materialize available here

https://boundingboxsoftware.com/materialize/

Tutorials available on that site and also here

https://farmerboysmodding.com/index.php ... ptextures/

[ScruffyGuy]

I have been using GIMP, and Inkscape

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxBRJrnXyto&t=1s

[kenny456]

I got review from Giants. They said that i need to create proper normal maps for my mod. So how can i create proper normal maps if i have only one version of 3d model (not low a high poly)? I know that gimp or photoshop can create normal maps from diffuse map. But i dont have diffuse map. Is it even possible to create quality normal maps from only UV map?

In my opinion it makes sence to create normal maps for large complex model which is too big for FS engine. Then you create low poly version and add details from high poly with normal maps. But if i have enough datailed model which has only 40000 polygons it does not make sense to create normal maps to me.

[Dogface]

If there is surface detail that you think the model could benefit from, add the detail on top of the UV map then take that into one of the normalizing programs listed above. In other words, make a mock-diffuse just for normals.

[kenny456]

What do you mean "add the detail on top of the UV map"? And what image i should take to normalizing program? I just created new image from AO channel from vmask texture and made normal map in GIMP and it doesnt look too bad.

[Dogface]

Use the UV map as a reference as to where to put the surface detail.
Take an image of the surface detail to normalizing program.
congratz

[kenny456]

I am sorry but i really dont understand what you mean. I have only one mesh in blender. So i need add detail to mesh topology?

[Dogface]

No, sorry, I meant in a paint program. Export a UV map from Blender, and use it as a reference in a 2D paint program to make a file for a normalizing program.

[kenny456]

I finally understood. Thank you for your time.

[Dogface]

You're welcome. I am sorry for not explaining what I meant more clearly.

[DzInLa]

Are there any new "FREE" tools in 2024 used to create specular & normal maps for FS22 mods?

[Dogface]

I haven't heard of any. I still use Blender and GIMP to make normal maps. And I still use Blender and a 2D paint program to make speculars.

[TheSuBBie]

The app Materialize mentioned in previous post is free.

[DzInLa]

I haven't heard of any. I still use Blender and GIMP to make normal maps. And I still use Blender and a 2D paint program to make speculars.

Is there a guide on how to use GIMP to make the Normal Maps for GIANTS i3d files?