[3DSMAX] Object Space Normal Map wIthout Projection Modifier

OccultMonk

I can not bake an Object Space/World Space Normal map without using a projection modifier and a (highpoly) reference (It defaults to a tangent based NM). Tangent based maps can be baked without a projection.

There are two reasons why I want to generate an object space Normal map without a projection modifier:

[1] Use the rounded corners shader of Mental Ray on the lowpoly model and generate smooth edges without a highpoly model. I want to render an OSNM because these can be converted using tools like handplane to tangent space UE4 compatible maps.

[2] Render an object space normal map from a highpoly unwrapped model without a lowpoly model. These OSNM can be used to generate a tangent space normal map and a curvature map to create worn edges using substance Designer/Painter and Ddo.

OccultMonk

Does anyone know?

OccultMonk

Sorry, but I will bump this one more time.

It seems really strange that you can't bake object space/world space normal maps without a projection modifier in 3DSMax. Does anyone know if it is possible or where I can find the answer?

AlecMoody

I gave this a try in max 2010 and you are correct- max will not bake an object space map without a projection modifier. You could duplicate your lowpoly model, assign that to the projection modifier, and then use a very very small cage.

Borx25

You could bake a tangent normal map and then convert tangent to object space in xnormal but this may not solve your issue. why don't you try to bake the object space in xnormal directly?

OccultMonk

Borx25 wrote: »

You could bake a tangent normal map and then convert tangent to object space in xnormal but this may not solve your issue. why don't you try to bake the object space in xnormal directly?

I want to use the Rounded corner shader of mental ray in 3dsmax.