About "Normal" maps.

[Zargos]

Can you confirm me that if I want to replace the default "bump layer" by a 4K one, I just have to copy the 4K in the "\data\graphics\Planes\[Plane]\Textures" directory and it's done ?

Edited January 7, 2018 by UF_Zargos

[Madcop]

Hi Zargos

 

That's the way it works for me anyway. But I always save or rename the default one, just in case !

 

Madcop

Edited January 7, 2018 by Madcop

[Danziger]

I would love to know how to create these normal maps.

[A-E-Hartmann]

Can you confirm me that if I want to replace the default "bump layer" by a 4K one, I just have to copy the 4K in the "\data\graphics\Planes\[Plane]\Textures" directory and it's done ?

Make a backup of normal maps before changing with the one in 4K.

[Raptorattacker]

Yeah, just rename the original one and replace with the 4k one otherwise you end up with a 2k .n map serving a 4k skin, which obviously doesn't add up!

[Zargos]

Thank you guys for your answers.

Have nice flights.

[Raptorattacker]

The n mapping in BoX is a lot more basic than, say, War Thunder and the PBR engine so you can do a lot less with them as far as I can tell (or have managed).

[6./ZG26_5tuka]

I would love to know how to create these normal maps.

If you're using gimp you need to install the the nomalmap plugin: http://registry.gimp.org/node/69

 

In summary you start with a black and white texture of your skin without any camouflage / wetahering effects, just structural elements (panel lines, screws, bolts, rivets ect.). Than you highlight the parts you want to stand out and darken the parts you want to add depth to so it looks like grove. The higher the contrast the stronger the effect. The background has to be a 50% grey tone.

 

Than go to Filter -> Render -> Normalmap. There are multiple options to chose from leading to different results.

The rest is exporting it as a dds with DTX1 compression and installing it in the proper folder.

 

You can check the result in skin viewer after pressing reload.

 

Edit: The FSX guide above explains it in more detail.

Edited January 19, 2018 by 6./ZG26_5tuka

[Danziger]

Awesome thanks man!