paint on model with normal map shader

Kevin Albers

Do any of the tools for painting on 3d models (Zbrush, 3DCoat etc) allow you to paint on a model that has a normal map shader on it, so you can visualize the final look more easily and paint a diffuse map that matches the normal map and such?

DarthNater

Zbrush has a normal map material, I don't really understand what you mean, but that may be what you want...

Edit: I see what you're asking now... Disregard the above statement

I've never really got into materials in zbrush, but I think this can be done. I usually paint my high poly, then export that to texture...

_Calix_

If you've got the extended additions of CS4 (CS3 as well??), you'll have a 3D viewer mode, which you can add diffuse, specular and normal maps onto a .obj model. Although the normal maps on the model dont look intense enough (can hardly see there's a normal map applied, but it is there).

Vailias

I just posted a 3d painting with Photoshop CS4 tutorial in this section. It supports normal mapping, but it doesn't get smooth normal interpolation across UV seams, however other than that it should do what you want.

DarthNater

Oh way to toot your own horn Vailias, if you're going to be cocky, at least post a link to your thread! Just kidding

http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=69942

Kevin Albers

Thanks for that tutorial It seems like photoshop is the way to go in this case. I don't need a super accurate interpretation of the normal map, so the UV seam issue should be no big deal.

achmedthesnake

Kev - mudbox 2009 and 2010 have the ability to show the normal map on the model (lowpoly) in realtime, and then you can paint diffuse and specular on it

- an easier way however is to bake a cavity/ambient occlusion map an use that texture as the first layer on the diffuse, therefore using it as a guide to painting.....

- i an unaware if zbrush has the same features

onionhead_o

you can use mudbox 2010. it support viewport normal map and other stuff like realtime ao and reflection. to me thats the best 3d painting tool