paint on model with normal map shader

Kevin Albers · Feb 2010

Do any of the tools for painting on 3d models (Zbrush, 3DCoat etc) allow you to paint on a model that has a normal map shader on it, so you can visualize the final look more easily and paint a diffuse map that matches the normal map and such?

DarthNater · Feb 2010

Zbrush has a normal map material, I don't really understand what you mean, but that may be what you want...

Edit: I see what you're asking now... Disregard the above statement

I've never really got into materials in zbrush, but I think this can be done. I usually paint my high poly, then export that to texture...

_Calix_ · Feb 2010

If you've got the extended additions of CS4 (CS3 as well??), you'll have a 3D viewer mode, which you can add diffuse, specular and normal maps onto a .obj model. Although the normal maps on the model dont look intense enough (can hardly see there's a normal map applied, but it is there).

Vailias · Feb 2010

I just posted a 3d painting with Photoshop CS4 tutorial in this section. It supports normal mapping, but it doesn't get smooth normal interpolation across UV seams, however other than that it should do what you want.

DarthNater · Feb 2010

Oh way to toot your own horn Vailias, if you're going to be cocky, at least post a link to your thread!

Just kidding

http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=69942

Kevin Albers · Feb 2010

Thanks for that tutorial

It seems like photoshop is the way to go in this case. I don't need a super accurate interpretation of the normal map, so the UV seam issue should be no big deal.

achmedthesnake · Feb 2010

Kev - mudbox 2009 and 2010 have the ability to show the normal map on the model (lowpoly) in realtime, and then you can paint diffuse and specular on it

- an easier way however is to bake a cavity/ambient occlusion map an use that texture as the first layer on the diffuse, therefore using it as a guide to painting.....

- i an unaware if zbrush has the same features

onionhead_o · Feb 2010

you can use mudbox 2010. it support viewport normal map and other stuff like realtime ao and reflection. to me thats the best 3d painting tool

paint on model with normal map shader

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