Normal mapping is a method utilized in 2D computer graphics to imitate the illumination of indentations and protrusions on a flat surface, effectively producing an impression of dimension and texture on a 2D depiction. This approach is commonly utilized in gaming and animation to generate lifelike textures. With its versatility and robust capabilities, Adobe Photoshop is well-suited for this task.
In this blog post, we’ll be guiding you through the steps to create a normal map in Photoshop. So, let’s jump right into it!
1. Open the Desired Texture in Photoshop
The first step is to open the texture you want to convert into a normal map. Go to File > Open and select the texture file.
2. Convert the Image to Grayscale
For the normal map to work correctly, the image needs to be converted into grayscale. To do this, navigate to Image > Adjustments > Desaturate.
3. Apply the Normal Map Filter
Photoshop does not come with a normal map filter by default, so you’ll have to download a plugin. An excellent option for this is the NVIDIA Texture Tools for Adobe Photoshop, which you can download from NVIDIA’s official website.
Once you’ve installed the plugin, you can apply the normal map filter by going to Filter > NVIDIA Tools > NormalMapFilter. In the dialog box that opens, adjust the settings to your preferences, then click OK.
4. Save Your Normal Map
Finally, save your normal map as a .tga file by going to File > Save As, selecting TARGA (*.TGA;*.VDA;*.ICB;*.VST) from the format dropdown menu, and clicking Save.
Conclusion
And there you have it! You’ve successfully created a normal map in Photoshop! Remember, mastering this technique will take some practice, but with time and patience, you’ll be creating realistic, detailed textures for your 2D projects in no time.
