Normal maps

IntermediateArtistProgrammer Normal maps are textures that add the appearance of surface detail, such as cracks and bumps, without changing the actual geometry of a model. They contain information about how meshes should reflect light, creating the illusion of much more complex geometry. This saves lots of processing power. (Images courtesy of Paolo Cignoni, shared under (0, 0, 1) coincides with the normal vector and represents no change, while a value of (-1, 0, 0) tilts to the “left” (ie negative X value in the tangent (local) space).

Use a normal map

• Asset View, select the texture you want to use as a normal map.
• Property Grid, make sure the type is set to normal map. This means Xenko assumes the texture is in linear color space and converts it to a format suited for normal maps.
• Asset View, select the material you want to use the normal map.
• Property Grid, under the material Geometry properties, expand Surface.
• Normal map, click (Replace) and make sure Texture is selected.
• Normal map, click (Select an asset).
• OK. Materials.

  Normal map properties

  common texture properties. Materials — Geometry attributes.

  See also

• Textures
• Materials
• Normal mapping on Wikipedia