Extract model from normal map

NAIMA

Is it possible to extract a detail mesh from a normal map?

To simplify my request is : I have the low poly model and the extrcted normal map applied on it taken from a higher poly model , I wanted to know if there is a zbrush technique that allows me to reproduce on the low poly model the higher detailsfrom the normal map .
This is for a modding of a game. Where I want to use the Use the same body but model a different head that can blend on the same surface details after .

Eric Chadwick

No, not accurately. The normal map is only directional offsets, no depth.

You could convert the normal map into a displacement map, then use this to create a highpoly model. But it's still going to be very inaccurate.

NAIMA

Dont need to be accurate , I mostly need to model a new head for the monster body in order to match the seams of normal maps , I guess eventually I might fix the borders in photoshop? But how I convert a normal map to a displacement map ?
Thanx for the answer .

Eric Chadwick

CrazyBump, nDo, Substance, Nvidia Normal Map Filter, many tools do this.

Ashaman73

NAIMA wrote: »

But how I convert a normal map to a displacement map ?

The normal map generation is a trap-door algorithm, that is, once the data have been fallen down (generated), then there is no way to recover the exact input data. You can only try to fake it, like generating a normalmap from a photo. The latter works, but the quality is quite low, thought with some efforts you could increase the quality like what crazybump do.

NAIMA

Ah ok didn't know CB could convert the reverse too thanks ...

Eric Chadwick

Hmm, I might be wrong about that. I know it generates them from photos, but maybe not the reverse.

Nvidia's photoshop filter does though, and that's free. You need to convert your normal map to 16bit first if I recall correctly.