Gradient maps in quixel suit.

mikezoo

Hey guys,

I am using the MAYA GRADIENT MAP TOOL thats been posted. But iam not sure how to properly use them.

I can get the script to work but I am not sure how to use this script properly in conjunction with Suite.

The tutorial on the wiki for the sci-fi helment shows the gradient map appears to be colored.

So how are we supposed to properly use the Gradient map tool for NDO needs? I thought they had to be colored?

thanks!

Wiktor

Hello,

When you run the script you're prompted with a dialogue asking you which direction you want, and then it asks you to run the script again. Once you've done that it'll save out that direction's gradient to your maya project folder.

Repeat this step for all 3 maps and make sure you rename each map once it's been generated so they won't be overwritten.

The next step is to open them up in Photoshop. Then create a new document with a black background, copy the X gradient, paste it in the R channel of the new document, the Y gradient in the G channel and the Z gradient in the B channel.

Hope this helps!

mikezoo

Thanks Wiktor, :thumbup:

Works great. I Really appreciate it.

SpaceJunkee

[quote=Wiktor

Wiktor

@SpaceJunkee: Take a look at this section on our wiki. There's a download link to a 3ds Max plugin for gradient maps and some information. http://quixel.se/usermanual/quixelsuite/doku.php?id=inputmaps#gradient

SpaceJunkee

Thank you for the quick reply Wiktor.

Forgive me if I'm missing something but that Max script doesn't do the same as the koddeCreateRampMap script for Maya. I'm able to use the Gradient Map Tool just fine but don't get any dialog or options to bake for X, Y, Z.

Preparing to apply face to palm!

Thank you,
Jon

throttlekitty

Open the Hypershade, it's under Edit>Convert to File Texture.
You'll need to have the geometry and ramp shader selected.

SpaceJunkee

Thanks throttlekitty but that sounds like instructions for Maya? I was hoping to get some pointers on how to do this in Max.

throttlekitty

derp

SpaceJunkee

Is that a Derp on you or on me? haha! I still needs the help..

Is there a way to create the awesome colored Gradient map by using the GradientMapTool in 3ds Max and then applying Wiktor's PS technique? My apologies for my newbness.

Thank you,
Jon

throttlekitty

SpaceJunkee wrote: »

Is that a Derp on you or on me? haha! I still needs the help..

Is there a way to create the awesome colored Gradient map by using the GradientMapTool in 3ds Max and then applying Wiktor's PS technique? My apologies for my newbness.

Thank you,
Jon

derps on me, please have one. (i don't want them)

It looks like that tool only handles the Y axis, so you'd need to rotate the model to bake out X and Z gradients, then composite them in Photoshop.

Alternatively, you can duplicate the model or create extra uv sets for things like in this thread. I think the full-model planar map + ramp shader option is the best of those.

SpaceJunkee

throttlekitty, I appreciate you taking the time to help out. I think I'm starting to grasp this a little better thanks to your post.

Thank you,
Jon

SpaceJunkee

double post.. please delete