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Dumb Question; How to generate Normal map from another mesh

ZBrush Usage Questions
#1

First, I have to clarify that I have search this forum, as well as the net, but somehow I keep finding how to generate normal map from the high subdivision level to low (which I know), but not one that explain how to transfer normal map from one mesh to another mesh not related by sub division level.

Right now I have made my low level mesh & High level mesh separately, & wish to generate Normal map from the high poly mesh to the low poly mesh. I did some trail & error, shooting in the blind but no end result.

Can anyone be kind to enlighten me.

Thanks.

#2

What? And you’ve read all the docs? There’s some info here but it doesn’t seem to cover what you want to do (or as close as I don’t understand you). http://docs.pixologic.com/reference-guide/tool/polymesh/normal-map/

#3

The online document does not cover, unfortunately. I think in the older versions, when I managed to do that, all I had to do is to select ‘load tool’ (for the low poly mesh), with the high Poly model active, & Zbrush will load into the mesh into the high poly tool, & I could generate a normal map as you would with high division to low division of the same tool. I think with the latest versions, if you select load tool, the active tool will be replaced with the new ones, so you can’t generate normal map, or any other transfer operation for that matter, if I am not mistaken. )(Sorry enter key doesn’t work here). Maybe you need a new workflow or something, but I cannot seems to find it. I have also post this in CGtalk where I fluent & have yet to find an answer also.

#4

You need to append one to the other so you have both subtools, then you could project detail from higher to lower. HTH

#5

Thanks. With what you said, & the ‘project detail’ keywords, I manage to find more result on the net. I will give it a shot, but after reading some replies online, I think non Hi to low subdivision map transfers are better done in an external program like Xnormal, or even Maya, which I already have. I will use Zbrush only for simple map transfer within same tool.

#6

It is, to be honest. You’ll have much more control over the projection and topology there, along with being able to set the desired tangent basis of the bake (in xnormal at least).