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How to import and apply a Normal Map into ZB ?

ZBrush Usage Questions
#1

Hi

Kinda basic question here but I forgot how to do this in ZB. I have 3.5 now.

I have a seamless normal map file of some tree bark for use in 3d Modeling texturing made in another app. ( I also have a displacement map if that would be better to use)

How and where could I import and apply this file to completely wrap a sphere in zbrush?

I don’t want just to end up with a smooth ball with a flat picture wrapped around it and I don’t want to paint it on with brush.

I don’t want to mask and inflate either

I want to wind up with a fully 360 degree textured 3d barkball. I want the normal map to do the deformation on a sphere tool or mesh.

Is there a step by step on how to this.

I have not used Zbrush in while “cobwebs in zbrush section of my brain”

Any help or video links would be good.

Thanks
Frank

#2

Normal maps can’t be rendered in ZBrush.

You can use a displacement map, though.


  1. Import your map into the Alpha palette.
  2. Select the Polysphere or convert a Sphere3D to a polymesh.
  3. In the Tool>UV Mapping menu, set the size of the texture to match your displacement map, then press the Uvs button to assign spherical mapping.
  4. In the Tool>Texture Map menu, create a new blank texture.
  5. In the Tool>Displacement Map menu, click the thumbnail and select your imported map.
  6. Set the Tool>Displacement Map>Intensity slider to a value that displays the amount of displacement you’re looking for.
  7. If necessary, divide the mesh to get smooth results.

#3

Thanks for the help, just what I needed.