Which SDiv to export normal map from?

[tennet]

Hi, I am modelling a pineapple that I plan to use in a photo composite later, that is if it will look good enough. Attached is an image showing the different SDiv levels and also a wip testrender with a basic material and normal map created from SDiv 1. The mesh is also exported from SDiv 1.

My question is - can I export the model from SDiv2 for a more detailed mesh and then create the normal map at Sdiv 1? Or does this give strange results? (Same question about creating Displacements maps from different SDiv) Or should I always create the normal map from the same SDiv level I plan to use?

I have a problem with 32-bit displacements also. When exporting 32-bit I hardly get any detail in the map, but when exporting 16-bit the map gets much better. Why is this?

I use Mac version ZBrush 3.12B.

Hope to get some help or feedback. Thanks!

// tennet

Attachments

[aurick]

I believe that if you were to export level 2 but make the map for level 1 you’d run into problems with seams. The reason for this is that the UV’s of level 2 will be a little different from the level 1 UV’s. But this is something you should experiment with; I’ve never personally tried it.

That’s because as a rule of thumb, you want your map to be accurate for the model that you’re applying the map to. What you’re proposing doesn’t sound like that would be true.

Regarding your 32-bit map question, we’d need more info about your steps/settings, and preferably some images showing the resulting maps and renders with those maps.