Cage Projection in 3DS Max

HGuerrio

I have a question regarding methods of normal mapping. I completed a class in which, following step by step tutorials, we modeled a futuristic crate in 3DS Max. We were taught the cage projection method of normal mapping, using a low and high quality version of the crate object. The crate was then exported to Unreal Engine.

My question: is this method (cage projection) commonly used in the gaming industry? What other workflows/software are used?

Mark Dygert

Yep that is really common. Maya has a similar workflow, you can also bake normal maps in zBrush and Mudbox but they have some limitations. A popular stand alone baking program is xNormal. The pros and cons of each can (and have) been debated endlessly. But yea what you're doing, how you were show is very common.

HGuerrio

Okay, thank you!

musashidan

Also, there are cage- less baking procedures: synced normals, and an interesting way to blend averaged & and non-averaged normals using Substance designer.