How do you create or modify a normal map for an avatar?

Character Creator General
1

Hi, I would like to make some changes or create a new normal map for a character. Bump maps seem a little more simple, but obviously characters in particular benefit more from a normal map.

What software or how do you modify a normal map. I notice normal maps are created using various shades of blue/purple.
I can load them into my paint program and do some basic modifications. But if I want to make some significant changes, I don’t know what I can use to ‘paint’ the shades of blue/purple to create ‘bumps’ in the map?

I can’t seem to find much in the way of tutorials. Is anyone able to explain how it all works or point me to a tutorial ? Thanks!

2

Normal maps are usually ‘baked’ from a high polygon 3D mesh with a lot of details onto a lower polygon 3D mesh without the details.

The baking procedure is shown here:

So, if you want to add details to the normal map, you usually model these details first.

1 Like
3

thankyou, I will check that out