NvidaNormalMapFilter (tool overview): Difference between revisions

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[[Image:NvidiaNormalMapPlugin.gif|right]]
==Foreword==
==Foreword==
[http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=NVidia%20Texture%20Tools&btnI=I'm+Feeling+Lucky Nvidia's Normal Map plugin] for [http://www.adobe.com/ Adobe Photoshop] is primarily used to create normal maps from height maps.
[http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=NVidia%20Texture%20Tools&btnI=I'm+Feeling+Lucky Nvidia's Normal Map plugin] for [http://www.adobe.com/ Adobe Photoshop] is primarily used to create normal maps from height maps.


However, it's also possible to normalize an existing normal map, combine a normal map with a height map, as well as export special maps.
However, it's also possible to normalize an existing normal map, combine a normal map with a height map, as well as export special maps.


==A Word About Channels==
==A Word About Channels==


It's important to note that the plugin only uses the channels that are selected so if you need to make use of the alpha channel with the plugin you must select it in the channels pallet prior to starting the plugin.
It's important to note that the plugin only uses the channels that are selected so if you need to make use of the alpha channel with the plugin you must select it in the channels pallet prior to starting the plugin.


==General Interface==
==General Interface==


[[Image:NvidiaNormalMapPlugin.gif|right]]
This is the plugin interface. The following sections will explain the function of each checkbox, textbox, button, and display.


This is the plugin interface. The following sections will explain the function of each checkbox, textbox, button, and display.


===Dynamic Preview===
===Dynamic Preview===
The dynamic preview will display a thumbnail of the resulting normal map using the current settings.
The dynamic preview will display a thumbnail of the resulting normal map using the current settings.


==="Add Height to Normal Map" Checkbox===
==="Add Height to Normal Map" Checkbox===
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So, when using this feature it's important to also select "Alpha Channel" as the height source. Note that the "Alpha Channel" radio button is disabled by default. In order to use it you must select the red, green, blue, and alpha channels in the channels pallet prior to starting the plugin.
So, when using this feature it's important to also select "Alpha Channel" as the height source. Note that the "Alpha Channel" radio button is disabled by default. In order to use it you must select the red, green, blue, and alpha channels in the channels pallet prior to starting the plugin.


==="Output 16:16" Checkbox===
==="Output 16:16" Checkbox===
This has been removed in the current version
This has been removed in the current version


==="Output 12:12:8" Checkbox===
==="Output 12:12:8" Checkbox===
This also has been removed.
This also has been removed.


==="Using Multiple Layers" Checkbox===
==="Using Multiple Layers" Checkbox===
By default the plugin expect you to be working with a flattened image. However, this checkbox allows you to work with multiple layers.
By default the plugin expect you to be working with a flattened image. However, this checkbox allows you to work with multiple layers.


==="Signed Output" Checkbox===
==="Signed Output" Checkbox===
Removed in the current version.
Removed in the current version.


==="Swap RGB" Checkbox===
==="Swap RGB" Checkbox===
Line 48: Line 58:
*Green Channel - Y axis
*Green Channel - Y axis
*Blue Channel - X axis
*Blue Channel - X axis


===3D Preview Button===
===3D Preview Button===


This button brings up the 3D preview pane using the settings defined in the 3D view section.
This button brings up the 3D preview pane using the settings defined in the 3D view section.


==Height Generation==
==Height Generation==


This section defines every aspect of how the height map is converted into a normal map.
This section defines every aspect of how the height map is converted into a normal map.


==="Wrap" Checkbox===
==="Wrap" Checkbox===
This checkbox enables/disables the wraping of the resulting normal map around the edges of the image. This is used for continuity when working with seamless textures.
This checkbox enables/disables the wraping of the resulting normal map around the edges of the image. This is used for continuity when working with seamless textures.


==="Invert X" Checkbox===
==="Invert X" Checkbox===
This checkbox enables/disables the inversion of X axis normal data.
This checkbox enables/disables the inversion of X axis normal data.


==="Invert Y" Checkbox===
==="Invert Y" Checkbox===
This checkbox enables/disables the inversion of Y axis normal data.
This checkbox enables/disables the inversion of Y axis normal data.


==="Min Z" Textbox===
==="Min Z" Textbox===
This textbox envelopes the Z axis normal data to the specified value and above.
This textbox envelopes the Z axis normal data to the specified value and above.


==="Scale" Textbox===
==="Scale" Textbox===
This textbox defines the strength of the height or normal map.
This textbox defines the strength of the height or normal map.


===Filter Type===
===Filter Type===
Here you select the filter used to produce the normal map.
Here you select the filter used to produce the normal map.


====4 Sample====
====4 Sample====
With this selected, 4 samples are taken from the surrounding pixels.
With this selected, 4 samples are taken from the surrounding pixels.


====3 x 3====
====3 x 3====
With this selected, 9 samples are taken from the surrounding pixels.
With this selected, 9 samples are taken from the surrounding pixels.


====5 x 5====
====5 x 5====
With this selected, 25 samples are taken from the surrounding pixels.
With this selected, 25 samples are taken from the surrounding pixels.


====7 x 7====
====7 x 7====
With this selected, 49 samples are taken from the surrounding pixels.
With this selected, 49 samples are taken from the surrounding pixels.


====9 x 9====
====9 x 9====
With this selected, 72 samples are taken from the surrounding pixels.
With this selected, 72 samples are taken from the surrounding pixels.


====Du/Dv====
====Du/Dv====
With this selected, the height map is converted into an environment-mapped bump map.
With this selected, the height map is converted into an environment-mapped bump map.


====Q8W8V8U8====
====Q8W8V8U8====
With this selected, the height map is converted into a Q8W8V8U8 bump map.
With this selected, the height map is converted into a Q8W8V8U8 bump map.


==3D Preview Options==
==3D Preview Options==
This section defines the settings used in the 3D preview pane.
This section defines the settings used in the 3D preview pane.


===Decal Texture===
===Decal Texture===
This button allows you to select the color map to apply the resulting normal map to in the 3D preview pane.
This button allows you to select the color map to apply the resulting normal map to in the 3D preview pane.


==="Use Decal Texture" Checkbox===
==="Use Decal Texture" Checkbox===
This checkbox enables/disables the use of a color map in the 3D preview pane.
This checkbox enables/disables the use of a color map in the 3D preview pane.


==="Brigten Decal" Checkbox===
==="Brigten Decal" Checkbox===
???
???


==="Animate Light" Checkbox===
==="Animate Light" Checkbox===
This checkbox enables/disables the use of an animated light in the 3D preview pane.
This checkbox enables/disables the use of an animated light in the 3D preview pane.


==Height Source==
==Height Source==


This section determines the source of the height map to convert.
This section determines the source of the height map to convert.


===Alpha Channel===
===Alpha Channel===
Line 119: Line 151:


Remember, the plugin only recogizes the channels selected from the channels pallet prior to starting the plugin. If you do not have the alpha channel selected this option will be disabled.
Remember, the plugin only recogizes the channels selected from the channels pallet prior to starting the plugin. If you do not have the alpha channel selected this option will be disabled.


===Average RGB===
===Average RGB===
When selected, the plugin gathers height map data from an average of the red, green, and blue channels.
When selected, the plugin gathers height map data from an average of the red, green, and blue channels.


==Alternate Conversions==
==Alternate Conversions==


===Biased RGB===
===Biased RGB===
When selected, the plugin subtracts the average color of the image from each texel.
When selected, the plugin subtracts the average color of the image from each texel.


===Red===
===Red===
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With this checkbox ticked, the plugin should export Z axis normal data in the red channel. However, it doesn't appear to work.
With this checkbox ticked, the plugin should export Z axis normal data in the red channel. However, it doesn't appear to work.


===Green===
===Green===
Line 145: Line 182:


With this checkbox ticked, the plugin should export Z axis normal data in the green channel. However, it doesn't appear to work.
With this checkbox ticked, the plugin should export Z axis normal data in the green channel. However, it doesn't appear to work.


===Blue===
===Blue===
Line 154: Line 192:


With this checkbox ticked, the plugin should export Z axis normal data in the blue channel. However, it doesn't matter because the result would be the same.
With this checkbox ticked, the plugin should export Z axis normal data in the blue channel. However, it doesn't matter because the result would be the same.


===Max (R,G,B)===
===Max (R,G,B)===
When selected, the plugin uses the maximum value from the red, green, and blue, channels as opposed to averaging them.
When selected, the plugin uses the maximum value from the red, green, and blue, channels as opposed to averaging them.


===Colorspace===
===Colorspace===
Line 162: Line 202:


Invert all the colors, multiply them together and invert the result. This was an artist request.
Invert all the colors, multiply them together and invert the result. This was an artist request.


===Normalize Only===
===Normalize Only===
When selected, the plugin normalizes the color of each texel to make an hand edited normal map compliant.
When selected, the plugin normalizes the color of each texel to make an hand edited normal map compliant.


===Convert to Height===
===Convert to Height===
When selected, the plugin converts a normal map to a height map. This should be working correctly in version 8.0 or later.  
When selected, the plugin converts a normal map to a height map. This should be working correctly in version 8.0 or later.  


==Alpha Field==
==Alpha Field==
Settings in this section determine what to output to the alpha channel if it exists.
Settings in this section determine what to output to the alpha channel if it exists.


===Unchanged===
===Unchanged===
When selected, the alpha channel is left unchanged.
When selected, the alpha channel is left unchanged.
===Set to 0.0===
===Set to 0.0===
When selected, the alpha channel is filled with black.
When selected, the alpha channel is filled with black.
===Set to 1.1===
===Set to 1.1===
When selected, the alpha channel is filled with white.
When selected, the alpha channel is filled with white.
[http://www.modwiki.net/wiki/NvidaNormalMapFilter_%28tool_overview%29 Sources]


[[Category:Utilities]][[Category:Texturing]]
[[Category:Utilities]][[Category:Texturing]]


__NOEDITSECTION__
__NOEDITSECTION__

Latest revision as of 00:37, 29 January 2009


Foreword

Nvidia's Normal Map plugin for Adobe Photoshop is primarily used to create normal maps from height maps.

However, it's also possible to normalize an existing normal map, combine a normal map with a height map, as well as export special maps.


A Word About Channels

It's important to note that the plugin only uses the channels that are selected so if you need to make use of the alpha channel with the plugin you must select it in the channels pallet prior to starting the plugin.


General Interface

This is the plugin interface. The following sections will explain the function of each checkbox, textbox, button, and display.


Dynamic Preview

The dynamic preview will display a thumbnail of the resulting normal map using the current settings.


"Add Height to Normal Map" Checkbox

This checkbox instructs the plugin to add the normals of a height map to an existing normal map.

However, because a normal map must use the RGB channels and you cannot specify an image other than the image in use when the plugin is initiated, you must store the height information in the alpha channel of the normal map.

So, when using this feature it's important to also select "Alpha Channel" as the height source. Note that the "Alpha Channel" radio button is disabled by default. In order to use it you must select the red, green, blue, and alpha channels in the channels pallet prior to starting the plugin.


"Output 16:16" Checkbox

This has been removed in the current version


"Output 12:12:8" Checkbox

This also has been removed.


"Using Multiple Layers" Checkbox

By default the plugin expect you to be working with a flattened image. However, this checkbox allows you to work with multiple layers.


"Signed Output" Checkbox

Removed in the current version.


"Swap RGB" Checkbox

By default the plugin exports normal data as follows...

  • Red Channel - X axis
  • Green Channel - Y axis
  • Blue Channel - Z axis

With this checkbox ticked however, the plugin exports normal data as follows...

  • Red Channel - Z axis
  • Green Channel - Y axis
  • Blue Channel - X axis


3D Preview Button

This button brings up the 3D preview pane using the settings defined in the 3D view section.


Height Generation

This section defines every aspect of how the height map is converted into a normal map.


"Wrap" Checkbox

This checkbox enables/disables the wraping of the resulting normal map around the edges of the image. This is used for continuity when working with seamless textures.


"Invert X" Checkbox

This checkbox enables/disables the inversion of X axis normal data.


"Invert Y" Checkbox

This checkbox enables/disables the inversion of Y axis normal data.


"Min Z" Textbox

This textbox envelopes the Z axis normal data to the specified value and above.


"Scale" Textbox

This textbox defines the strength of the height or normal map.


Filter Type

Here you select the filter used to produce the normal map.


4 Sample

With this selected, 4 samples are taken from the surrounding pixels.


3 x 3

With this selected, 9 samples are taken from the surrounding pixels.


5 x 5

With this selected, 25 samples are taken from the surrounding pixels.


7 x 7

With this selected, 49 samples are taken from the surrounding pixels.


9 x 9

With this selected, 72 samples are taken from the surrounding pixels.


Du/Dv

With this selected, the height map is converted into an environment-mapped bump map.


Q8W8V8U8

With this selected, the height map is converted into a Q8W8V8U8 bump map.


3D Preview Options

This section defines the settings used in the 3D preview pane.


Decal Texture

This button allows you to select the color map to apply the resulting normal map to in the 3D preview pane.


"Use Decal Texture" Checkbox

This checkbox enables/disables the use of a color map in the 3D preview pane.


"Brigten Decal" Checkbox

???


"Animate Light" Checkbox

This checkbox enables/disables the use of an animated light in the 3D preview pane.


Height Source

This section determines the source of the height map to convert.


Alpha Channel

When selceted, the plugin gathers height map data from the alpha channel.

Remember, the plugin only recogizes the channels selected from the channels pallet prior to starting the plugin. If you do not have the alpha channel selected this option will be disabled.


Average RGB

When selected, the plugin gathers height map data from an average of the red, green, and blue channels.


Alternate Conversions

Biased RGB

When selected, the plugin subtracts the average color of the image from each texel.


Red

By default the plugin exports normal data as follows...

  • Red Channel - X axis
  • Green Channel - Y axis
  • Blue Channel - Z axis

With this checkbox ticked, the plugin should export Z axis normal data in the red channel. However, it doesn't appear to work.


Green

By default the plugin exports normal data as follows...

  • Red Channel - X axis
  • Green Channel - Y axis
  • Blue Channel - Z axis

With this checkbox ticked, the plugin should export Z axis normal data in the green channel. However, it doesn't appear to work.


Blue

By default the plugin exports normal data as follows...

  • Red Channel - X axis
  • Green Channel - Y axis
  • Blue Channel - Z axis

With this checkbox ticked, the plugin should export Z axis normal data in the blue channel. However, it doesn't matter because the result would be the same.


Max (R,G,B)

When selected, the plugin uses the maximum value from the red, green, and blue, channels as opposed to averaging them.


Colorspace

Color space - Height = 1.0 - [(1.0 - r) * (1.0 - g) * (1.0 - b)]

Invert all the colors, multiply them together and invert the result. This was an artist request.


Normalize Only

When selected, the plugin normalizes the color of each texel to make an hand edited normal map compliant.


Convert to Height

When selected, the plugin converts a normal map to a height map. This should be working correctly in version 8.0 or later.


Alpha Field

Settings in this section determine what to output to the alpha channel if it exists.


Unchanged

When selected, the alpha channel is left unchanged.

Set to 0.0

When selected, the alpha channel is filled with black.

Set to 1.1

When selected, the alpha channel is filled with white.


Sources


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