Creating normal maps from high poly models Thread

Hello, i've read and seen that you can create normal maps from high poly models for use on a low poly one, that will give it a similar look to the high poly one. I have created a model with a high poly count and low poly count and ive no idea how to get a normal map from the high poly model. Ive been using this website but ive no idea how they have done it. Bencloward.com could someone give me a hand with getting a normal map from my high end one onto my low poly one?

Thankyou, Will

What application are you using ?

ah should have mentioned that, Im using 3ds max 9.

Disclaimer: If you're using max 9, then the following will work, if you're using 2009 it will probably work, but I haven't tried it. Also, your end results will vary greatly depending on the graphic engine you're planning on dropping the model into (if any).

— Overlay your high-res model over your lo-res model.
— On the lo-res model, apply a Projection modifier (in the modifier stack)
— Projection Modifier > Reference Geometry rollout, either press the Pick button and then click the high-res model (in the viewport), or click Pick List and select the high-res model from the selection list.
— Menu, Rendering > Render to Texture
— General Settings > Render settings, select your renderer. In the popup click Load
— Projection Mapping, click enabled, make sure projection is selected in the drop down, click the Pick button and select the high res model from the list
— Under Output, hit the Add button, select Normals map
— Selected Element Common Settings, Enable should be checked, Target Map Slot, set the dropdown to Bump, Set the size of the map output (one of the handy buttons there should do - 1024, etc)
— Selected Element Unique Settings, make sure Output into Normal Bump is checked
— FINALLY, hit that Render button!

It will render out an unwrapped normal map, that you can either save, and then drop into a material. Or you can start a new material, and in the Bump slot select Browse from selected, and click the lo res model. Either way, apply the new material to the lo-res model and hit F9. Woohoo! Theres way more tweaking that can be done, depending on where the model is going, and if you know what you're doing with: renderer, projection modifier settings and on and on, but the above will get you started at least. Sorry if I missed anything in there.

— OR —

Get Zbrush and do all of that with like... one button.

Thank you artechoke, ill give that a try and get back to you

Xnormal.net

cool ill have a look at that

if you're making a model for a doom 3 powered game there's a normal map generator built in (renderbump I think).