How To Create a Normal Map to improve face and skin details?
Modelcraft
Posts: 56
Hello, I am back with a new noob question. I want to know how I can generate Normal Maps for existing character skin textures for Daz Studio. I learned from some posts that to achive Genesis 9 Like skin details on Genesis 8 Character, need Normal Maps. So how I can generate them. I found some online videos but even if I generate a normal map, how to apply that on the figure.
I found this webiste, NormalMap-Online (cpetry.github.io) But I am not sure, how to proceed?
Please share some knowledge.
Thanks
Comments
I use GIMP.
Many [most?] G8 characters in the Daz store already come with normal maps. You will find the normal maps in the surfaces tab. [G8 skin has individual maps for; head/face-lips-body-arms-legs] If you are wanting to modify or make your own maps you will need an image editing program such as GIMP with the "Gimp normal map plugin" and possibly a 3d painting program to deal with the seams. [I use Blender] . You will be working with 4K/8k UV maps. It can get complicated fast. There is a learning curve. Just FYI.
If you don't already know how, I suggest you first learn to use an image editor, GIMP, PS etc., and get very familiar with the G8 UVs [if your focus is G8] before you start working with normal maps.
The vast majority of characters sold in the Daz store have normal maps. What makes 8.1 and 9 skins look more detailed is the Detail normal maps, applied to the detail normal slot on the PBRSkin shader. All G8.1 and G9 core figures (_____8.1 or ____9), and quite a lot of 8.1 and 9 PA characters, come with detail normal maps, so you can use one of those, or you can pick up a product like one of Handspan's Skin Detail Resource series.