Normal Map + Bump (B/W)

[Candelero]

Hey Guys,

I am trying to mix  a NormalMap with a Bump (B/W) map, working together.
I think I cannot make it work ok.

Setup   v7.1

Bump Slot = 1.0  --> CoronaNormalTex --> Normal Bump

in the Normal Slot - i put the Normal Map
in the Additional Bump - I put the Bump map

I think the Bump (b/w) shows no signs of working...

If I just leave the Normal Map directly in the < CoronaNormalTex > ... I loose all the little Bump details.

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1 Image = JUST BUMP (B/W)   ( Blur Value = 0.1 )
2 Image = CoronaNormalTex ( Normal Map inside )  ( Blur Value = 0.01 )

And it seems the Normal Maps gets Blurred, though the < Blur value > is set to 0.01

[romullus]

There's no additional bump in CoronaNormalTex map. If you're using max's native NormalBump map, no wonder why you're getting wrong results. Normal maps should be connected via CoronaNormalTex only.

[Candelero]

Indeed.

That's exactly how I did the 2 images.
If however I put < MAX Normal Bump > which has both ( normal + Additional Bump ) ... and then put that into < Corona Normal Tex > ... it just doesn't work...

As far as i managed to get some conclusion - the Additional bump - has no effect at all.

EDIT :
i also tried < CoronaMix ( Add )  - Bump( b/w ) + CoronaNormalTex - with Normal map inside > ... still no result.

EDIT 2 :
Also , what format is best to save normal maps... I used BMP for this case ? Can JPG do the same result, or should I stick to some specific format ?

[Juraj]

I don't think the format matters much, although BMP is strange choice :- ) jpeg/png is completely fine in 8bit since the 3 channels provide enough spectrum.

But your request is valid, with current CoronaNormalTex reader you might not stack with additional bump, which would be great, as normal map is often best to avoid having tiny detail.

[Candelero]

I don't think the format matters much, although BMP is strange choice :- ) jpeg/png is completely fine in 8bit since the 3 channels provide enough spectrum.

But your request is valid, with current CoronaNormalTex reader you might not stack with additional bump, which would be great, as bump is often best to avoid having tiny detail.

Yes, indeed ... It'll be great if we can have some more complex < CoronaNormalTex >
Thanks for your advice on the file format . :) :)

Cheers !

nikki Candelero

[vkiuru]

Since Corona informs me I shouldn't be using Maxs' own normal map system I've instead made a mix texture whre there is a standard B&W bump and then a Corona Normal Tex in the second slot, then play with mix amount but somehow I don't think this is the right way. Could someone elaborate?

[vkiuru]

Any news on this front? I'm using daily builds, and tried exploring stuff that has been added since this topic was hot but no luck, I still can't figure out how to use both normal bump and the standard bump together.

EDIT: This thread has over 400 views, making it the second most read topic on the page right now. Would it be possible to clear this out a bit, since now I'm resorting to silliness like a Blend material with 50% blend, the same material in both slots except the first uses Corona Normal Bump and the second uses the regular BW bump.

[SoniKalien]

I am currently experimenting mixing a normal map with a bump map using CoronaMix or standard CompositeMap with varying results eg:

NormalMap > CoronaNormalMap > slot 1
                                                                > (eg)Multiply > BumpSlot in CoronaMat
                                   BumpMap > slot 2

It is kind of working but I need to experiment more to be sure.