how do specular maps work in unity?

MainManiac

I made the specular map the alpha of my diffuse but it doens't look like it should? Like there isnt even any specular info on the metal

MikeF

the built in specular shader is a bit lacking, i'd recommend something like this
http://wiki.unity3d.com/index.php/BumpColorSpec
or just writing your own

MainManiac

that shader seems to be what I need but it didn't work for me, when I add it it looks like it has no normal map or spec map and its just diffuse

tristamus

Thanks for this, I needed this too!

Neox

write your own shader and tell it how it is supposed to read your textures

gsokol

No normal map or spec map?


Are you using baked lighting? Unless your using directional lightmaps then yeah...spec and normal wont work.

commander_keen

That shader is really old. Its from before the surface shader model was implemented. Unfortunately the surface shader stuff doesnt use colored spec by default so you have to specify a custom lighting model.

MainManiac

I eventually got it to work, it just wasn't strong enough of a contrast in my alpha channel

MainManiac

I can't stand the alpha thing unity uses, its very clumsy to use when im using GIMP and id much rather save a specular texture separately and load it instead of putting it in the alpha channel

Does unity have a default option to enable this? If not then my only other option is to write a shader which probably isn't an option because I know absolutely nothing about them lol

SanderDL

Dude, just use Strumphy's shader editor. I could make one for you. But I encourage you to just make a shader with it yourself. As it's really easy.

MainManiac

Ah I found one

Thanks for mentioning strumphys shader editor though, its similar to kismet which I also don't understand but hopefully theres some tutorials out there

tobeeffle

Hi,

Specular shader gives in unity, use slider for shininess. On your diffuse texture alpha channel is used for specular map (specifique area for your spec).
If you want, ,normal and spec shader, use bumped specular and a new slot for NRM map appeared.
Those shaders are limited, because you can't give colors to your specular.
Personaly i use hardsurface shader (asset store), it gives you more liberty on your shader (rim, spec, gloss, reflect, etc.).
My solution for having NRM and spec on lightmapped objects (static lightmap), is to create layer on static objects, duplicate light (directionnal light normaly but you can use what you want) in realtime only with mask on the layer you create. With this layer solution you limit the number of objects light in real time and so, you increase your performance compare to a full scene with real time lights.

Athomield

specular map should be stored in the alpha of the diffuse if you are using bumped specular shader of unity.