Detailing existing mesh with ZBrush

armagon

Can i import a low-poly mesh + normal map in Zbrush to increase detailing? If so, how?

jfitch

I don't think you can project normal map details back onto a mesh. You could try converting it to a height map and doing it that way, with Max or Maya.

I'd probably just do it in substance painter. You can paint details right onto the normal map.

What are you trying to do? Add more detail? Increase the strength of the normals? Re-engineer a mesh you don't have the high poly for?

armagon

jfitch wrote: »

Re-engineer a mesh you don't have the high poly for?

Precisely.

jfitch

Honestly that's just not entirely possible. Why don't you have the high poly mesh?

armagon

It's an old model i bought on turbosquid and i wanted to revamp it.

DavidCruz

for resale? not cool if so. opportunity to deny the claims open.

jfitch

Yep, can't do that man. Sorry. If you want to do that I would contact the artist or just make a new model yourself.

m4dcow

Why are people assuming he is re-selling the model? You hardly buy stuff that you don't need to modify to suit or project/game/whatever.

To the point best case scenario would be having the high poly model but since you don't, using something like ndo to add normal map detailing might be an option.

jfitch

I suppose it depends on your license. You need to check to see if you're allowed to modify it, and in what kind of settings. Sometimes modifying for commercial use is against the license policy. I didn't think it was reselling directly but rather using it in a game or for a portfolio piece.

Either way, if you want to just add some detail to the normal map then check out substance or quixel.

https://www.allegorithmic.com/products/substance-painter
http://quixel.se/

armagon

I'm not reselling the model, i'm using it in my own game. The license clearly states that i'm able to modify, otherwise, i wouldn't have bought it. What's the purpose of buying something that is royalty free and not being able modify it? All games would look terrible. :P