topic Re: How to apply a normal map? in Maya Shading, Lighting and Rendering Forum

How to apply a normal map?

Anonymous — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 16:03:21 GMT

Hi,

So what I've done is I've made a low poly version of my character and I have all the details of a high render version in a normal map and I'm just wondering how on earth do I apply the normal map to my character? I cant seem to find any simple tutorials explaining this easily and was just wondering if anyone could explain me the process I need to do?

Re: How to apply a normal map?

halfstone — Sat, 04 May 2019 07:06:11 GMT

Assuming you are using an aiStandard Shader -

Create a Maya 2D File Texture node
Create an Arnold aiNormalMap node
Double-click on the Maya 2D File Texture node, and when it appears in the Attribute Editor, load your Normal Map in the "Image" slot. In the Attribute Editor, find the "color space" setting and set that to "Raw".
Connect the "output" of the Maya 2D File Texture Node to the "Input" of the AiNormalMap node.
Connect the "Output" of the aiNormalMap node to the "Normal Camera" input of the aiStandardSurface shader.

That should do it. A few notable details:

1. The aiNormalMap node is set by default to read tangent-space normals, you shouldn't have to do anything with it. It does have an "intensity' setting, which allows you to fine-tune the effect of the map. You should leave that alone until you need to fine-tune; you should be able to see the effect without touching that setting

2. A normal map disturbs the way in which the camera interprets the surface direction, an illusion that is enhanced by light and shadow. it's best if your shader has at least a small amount of specular reflection; this will enhance the effect of the normal map.

3. Also note that normal mapping does not work with the Maya software renderer. You should be using an Arnold material. if you use a Maya Blinn or Phong material, you'll need to use a Maya "bump2d" node. Connect it as you would any bump map, but set the "bump type" to "Tangent Space Normals". You're much better off using the Arnold aiStandardSurface and aiNormalMap nodes described above.

Re: How to apply a normal map?

Anonymous — Wed, 15 Apr 2020 14:06:09 GMT

hey sorry only seeing this now!

thank you so much for replying 😄

Re: How to apply a normal map?

cyan_fire — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 14:25:09 GMT

how do you make a node?? how do you connect the input and output?

Re: How to apply a normal map?

stephaniebellgardt — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 03:24:13 GMT

You can also just scroll down on the Arnold shader to the Geometry drop-down - then plug your file in the slot there. Make sure the map’s set to Raw, Tangent Space Normals, and you should be good to go 🙂