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ZMapper - normalmap generation problems

ZBrush Usage Questions
#1

Hi to everyone!
I have a problem in generating normal maps with ZMapper and I have not found a solution in other threads, so I’ve decided to make my question.
I’ve modeled in maya 8.5 a simple cage mesh for a character, imported in zbrush for sculpting than exported the level 2 mesh back to maya for uv mapping. My uvs are not overlapping or too near to borders. Then I reimported the new uvmapped mesh in zbrush for normal map generation. The problem is that zmapper create a normalmap that do not corrispond to my uv layout, with overlapping pieces and borders out of range. Here’s are my uvs and the generated normalmap.


If you have any idea it will help me a lot.
Thanks!!

#2

ZMapper’s Normal & Cavity Map tab has a slider called Seam Overpaint. Adjusting this slider will affect how much ZMapper extends outside the UV’s when it creates the map.

You WANT some overpainting! Without it, the slightest variation in how an app registers the 0,0 point will result in seams being visible in the render. In short, the less overpainting there is, the less margin for error you have. You would be better off adjusting your UV’s a bit to give enough space between for the overpaint.

And even if the overpaint does overlap a bit, what does it matter? That will only become visible on the rendered model if the map is slightly offset by your other application.

#3

Thanks a lot for your reply!
I thought it was an error but I’ve made some tests playing with the seam overpaint slider as you suggest and now the problem it’s clear to me.

Thanks again!