Normal Bake Question

HitmonInfinity

Hi guys. Quick question for you:

I'm still working out the kinks in my high poly to low poly baking. Generally, before I bake I average all my normals on the low poly mesh. But if I understand correctly, I should be making some edges hard? How do I know which edges should remain hard? And this has to be done before the bake right?

HitmonInfinity

perna wrote: »

Strange question. This approach is all wrong. You're not "meant" to do anything unless you have problem areas, and then you need to apply the specific solution to that specific problem.

I feel I need to elaborate, since you made this post in the first place: Some models require hard edge smoothing, some don't. You don't do anything unless there is a specific need for it. That would be akin to some superstitious practice like performing a dance to please the gods.

Common sense, bro.

Strange response. Clearly if a problem can be fixed... it can be prevented. I'm not sure you understood my question.

Stromberg90

perna wrote: »

dance to please the gods.

So you are telling me all that hours of dancing was useless? -.-

It can be prevented if you know what you are doing, so read up on the wiki.
So read here: http://wiki.polycount.com/NormalMap?action=show&redirect=Normal+Map

HitmonInfinity

Thanks Strom, that's exactly what I needed.