Normal Map Channels are Offset Maps

This effect was generated in Filter Forge, a Photoshop plugin that allows you to create your own filters.

Author: Richard Bartlett

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Filter Details

• Downloads: 344
• Usage Rank: Low
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Description

** Not intended for use on photos like depicted in the example on the left. **

Takes a height map and converts it into a normal map.

In all reality, this filter is useless as a normal map filter. The results aren't great due to the way the refraction component samples from outside the bounds of the source.

When a height map is used as the source image (what you should be using during height to normal conversion anyway), the issue can be resolved by adjusting the strength slider.

The trick is to adjust the slider so you get the most contrast and the anomolies dissapear. Lower values are better.

The true meaning behind this submission however is to demonstrate how a height map can converted into it's corresponding horizontal and vertical offset maps.

Keywords

Normal Offset Height

Filter Controls

• Strength