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View Full Version : Normal Mapping help...

j5ive
03-03-2006, 10:41 AM
Hi guys, first off I have read through several pages of the normal mapping sticky on this page which has been a HUGE help to my understanding. Though I do still have a few problems, as I have not successfully managed to normal map a character/object yet. BTW, I am coming from a Maya background. What tutorials/ normal mapping utilities would you recommend that are idiot proof as the ones I have tried/followed I have been unsuccessful, and when posted on other forums people have responded saying it's easy, etc and not willing to invest some time to help a fellow cg enthusiast to advance himself. Thanks guys hope you can help!!

/\/\ike
Reyes
03-03-2006, 02:10 PM
hi j5ive,
i dont use maya,i use max.The main thing i would rec is zbrush.This program is used alongside maya or max and is fantastic for creating your hi res models,there is also a plugin for zbrush called zmapper which aids you in creating normal maps.
Check out Pixologic website for more info on zbrush or check out zbrush section on this site for more info.
j5ive
03-03-2006, 02:23 PM
Yeah I have ZBrush with ~Zmapper, but am having problems using zbrush how i want to at the minute, lol. I can play around with it and make interesting 'things' but when it comes to subtly sculpting I cannot do this effectively, think I will play around with zbrush first!
SHEPEIRO
03-03-2006, 02:25 PM
yeah max user too, zbrush is good for organic surfaces, havent used the zmapper tool yet as i normally export back to max, but from what ive heard its sweet. there is also ATIs normal mapping soloution, that can be downloaded from their webpage, its pretty simple to use, but dosnt give as good results as max IMO
Crackjoe
03-03-2006, 03:14 PM
if your using maya 7 the surface sampler works pretty well but is slow as all hell. All you do is import your high res and low res meshes into maya and load up modify>surface sampler, then load in the meshes into the target and source, then display the envelope and resize it so your entire mesh is enveloped in the envelope (get it so clever). then set for tangent space normals up some of the settings and wait.

However I still say Zbrush is much better Id sugest that you go to pixologics website and check out the artist in action videos, They helped me greatly just watching pro zbrush users work the program. Zmapper is your best bet for normal mapping in my opinion its also much faster than using the surface sampler. There is a video you can dl on the same site you get zmapper from that explains most of its functionality. make sure your UVs are layed out right or youll be pulling your hair out all day.

hope this helps.
j5ive
03-03-2006, 03:57 PM
Thanks for the replies, I think I will take time out then to learn ZBrush then see how it goes from there!
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