How do I normal map

[Algiark]

So, since nobody took the initiative and make a steampunk texture pack, I went ahead and try to do it myself. Here's my first try:

But how do you make a normal map? And how do normal maps work? I tried fumbling around and kind of get the grasp of it, but I still don't quite understand it, especially to make things pop out. Any help would be appreciated.

[CaptainKipard]

You can make a bump map first. It's a greyscale image where bright colours define highs and dark textures define lows. Then convert it to a normal map with one of the free converters. Xnormal is ok. It also has a lot of other tools. I tend to use the Normal Map plugin for GIMP.

[ximrm]

Also normal maps are "baked" from high poly meshes for low poly meshes to be used as textures. Most 3D applications have that option.

Wiki:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Normal_mapping

Online normalmap tool:

http://cpetry.github.io/NormalMap-Online/

There are also many free tools and plugins(i have 3 because of the slight differences in the applications which can make a difference and because they're free of course)

Just google for normal map converters.

Edit: I recently bought NDO which is a really nice tool and imho worth the $50.

You can sculpt edit and do lots of other stuff to the normal map inside photoshop.(doesn't need the extended version for 3d,so student version works also. But CS 6 or higher is required)

You have a lot of control, can load your custom mesh or use primitives to instantly show you the effects.

Add unlimited detail to your existing normal bakes without the hassle. No need to worry about rebaking, fake floaters, artifacts, or having too many subdivisions. Just add the surface detail, non-destructively, straight in Photoshop.

Tutorial:

The other tools seem to be awesome:

You can get it here: http://quixel.se/ndo Previous version: http://quixel.se/nDo2/nDo2_release.zip

PS: I just saw on the mainpage that there's a beta of all their tools for download which I'm downloading right now.Some of them will be free this year. (I'm not sure if they're free or/if in any way limited but it might be an option to try those tools first.(i'm only know ndo but i think it's a great tool especially for those unfamiliar with normal maps)

Edited August 15, 2014 by ximrm
added more info