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Normal Maps and ZMapper
ZMapper is the free Next-Gen Normal Mapping plug-in for ZBrush 2.0. Using ZBrush’s revolutionary multiple levels of resolution and a new lighting-fast ray tracer, ZMapper generates unsurpassed normal maps in seconds that will work with any game engine need.
The built-in open GL viewer allows artists to see their normal maps in action directly on the model without leaving ZBrush. Artists can also view their wire frame, normals, tangents, and UV seams directly in the viewer allowing for fast troubleshooting.
Built into ZMapper is a simple to use interface that gives artists and programmers complete control over their normal maps. Every permutation of normal map generation is possible and easy to do with ZMapper's Expert Options. Artists can create tangent space maps, world space maps, flip their red channels, swap their red and green channels, and
derive their tangents from their normal and binormals as well as a host of other options.
ZMapper also contains several options designed to take your normal maps to the next level and to help troubleshoot your game engine needs.
ZMAPPER
ZMapper uses some of the unique features of ZBrush, such as multi-resolution subdivision surfaces, to make the creation of normal maps a quick and easy process. Here's a quick preview of a typical use of ZMapper, so you can have an idea of how it fits in with ZBrush.
Create a low-resolution model to your liking and (in ZBrush, using the multiple subdivision levels feature) a high-resolution model that is a subdivision of the low-resolution model.
Start the ZMapper plugin and use it to create a normal map for the low-resolution model. The map will incorporate both the differentials in geometry between the low- and high-resolution models, and the details of the bump map.
"Zmapper allows me to bake all my normal maps right within ZBrush, this way I can view how things look on the low poly model right away! The normal maps are generated extremely fast! Using ZMapper in my workflow is a huge time saver."
- Chris Lee
Character Artist at 7Studios
