ZBrushCentral

Zbrush to MAX - Normal Map Query

ZBrush Usage Questions
#1

Hi everyone, hopefully someone can shed some light on a problem I have been having when trying to use a normal map created in Zbrush, using the Zmapper tool. If I explain my production process it may help things.

Ok, basically I create my low-poly base model in 3DS Max 8, unwrap the UV’s, making sure there are no overlaps, and then export it as an OBJ.
I then import it into Zbrush and start sculpting.

Once I have finished I then open Zmapper and create my normal map, flip it vertically and then export back to MAX to be used in the bump channel of a Vray texture map.

My problem is that when I render my model, the image inherits some jagged or spikey edges, even though the Zbrush model looks nice and smooth.

I have tried tweaking the Zmapper settings but not 100% sure if it is this that causes the problem. Basically I want to be able to get some nice results, as most people do, but am finding it quite difficult to achieve.

If someone could advise me where I’m going wrong I would really appreciate it. Perhaps you know of a really good Start to Finish tutorial that will give me gr8 results every time.

Also, can someone tell me what the differences between the following are:
Normal Map, Displacement Map and Bump Map. I understand the way a normal and bump map work etc but not really sure when I should use them.

Many thanks in advance

#2

Could you show examples of the problem?

For your other question: http://www.pixologic.com/docs/index.php/Bump%2C_Displacement%2C_and_Normal_Maps

#3

Here is my hi-res Zbrush sculpt and below that is the model with the normal map applied. The only other I can think of is that maybe Im putting the normal map in the wrong material slot. I have been using the Bump Map slot. Is this correct? As you can see the Max render doesn’t carry anywhere near the right amount of detail…

Your help appreciated thanks

#4

You need to click on the “none” slot in the bump map
then select a “normal bump”
then apply your normal map to that top map…tada. make sure you turn up your bump setting from 30 to 100

#5

I’m not sure I understand what you mean. I open the material editor, select a material slot and then go to Maps. Under Maps are all the available Maps for the type of material selected. Once of them says Bump. I make sure it is ticked and then click on the None field to load my image. Is it this point where I select Normal Bump? ATM I select Bitmap and then select my Normalmap.bmp. Also which file type is the best for Normal Maps? PSD, TIFF or BMP
Once again many thanks for your help. I am at work atm so will try this when I get home later

#6

Hi again. Ok I think it’s obvious where I was going wrong, by using Bitmap instead of Normal Bump. However, different lighting setups give really different results. I know this is probably a question that has too many answers but what would you recommend as a good lighting setup to produce good reults? I have V-Ray and Mental Ray but my renders usually appear to dark or way too bright. If anyone knows a decent setup that I can then tweak I would really appreciate it.
Cheers