[PS] Normal Mapping and it's Importance

[noremorse]

[Quake3Bits Normal Mapping Tutorial]
-A good insight into what a normal map is, and how do create one.

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A normal map is a technique used to make a low polygon, low detail model look like a higher polygon, higher detail model without sacrificing performance.

Resources
-Nvidia Normal Map Photoshop Plug-in
-ATi tga2dot3 Converter
-GIMP Freeware Photo Editor
-GIMP Normal Map Plug-in
-GIMP DDS Plug-in

[TITLE]Importance[/TITLE]

All new models/texture need to have a corresponding normal map to go with it. Without this map, the model will not respond to lighting in the game.

Creating a normal map is fairly easy. Creating a good normal map requires much more knowledge and talent. I'm not going to write a tutorial here when there are much better ones available on the internet already. For a great one I found, click the link at the top of this thread.

[TITLE]Applying Your Normal Map[/TITLE]

In order to apply your new normal map to an object in Oblivion, all you need to do is save it into the same directory and add the suffix "_n" to it.

Example:
My original texture is named "Door_texture.dds."
My normal map is named "Door_texture_n.dds."

[TITLE]Alpha Channel Transparency[/TITLE]

:alert: EDIT: It is possible. I cannot figure it out enough to explain how yet, but it is and I can get it to work sometimes. Once I do, you'll see a tutorial on how to get it to work.

Through extensive eye gouging and head bashing I have come to the conclusion that you do not need (or want) to use a normal map if you are creating a model/texture that should have a section of it completely transparent, such as a torn up banner. This banner only has two faces (mine is on the left).

[GALLY]2~0.jpg[/GALLY]

A normal map would normally apply much more detail, such as the wrinkles standing out in 3 demensions, but due to the way Oblivion handles Alpha channels with normal maps, it will not work correctly. Though you will still get the normal mapping effect, such as it becoming 3d, you will also lose your transparencies.

[GALLY]1.jpg[/GALLY]