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MCX - NormalMaps. Is there a trick? (Solved)

Rotornut44

Rotornut44

Resource contributor
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us-florida
Hello,
I created a NormalMap using the 3D function in Photoshop CC 2017. After creation, I converted it to FSX format using the MCX texture converter. However, for some reason, when I add this NormalMap to my model it fails to show any changes in the model preview. I have even tried exporting the model with the NormalMap added and reopening it in MCX to see if the changes just didn't show up at first. Either way, the NormalMap is a no-show..

These asphalt pads are not compiled as groundpolys. They are regular simobjects.

Is there something small that I'm missing in this process?

(Note: I changed the name of the NormalMap DDS. I do not have the wrong texture loaded, although it might look like I do..)
 

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Hello...

What do you mean by 3d function in CC 2017 and how are you saving the file after using this function? How are you converting within MCX and saving it? CC 2017 does have a internal normal map, is that what you are using?
 
Doug,
You are able to generate both Bump Maps and Normal Maps (from a standard texture) in PS CC 2017 under Filters -> 3D. I saved this generated Normal Map as a 32bit BMP and converted the BMP to an FSX Style Bump/Normal Map (DDS) in Model Converter X.
 
Hi,

Check if your enabled the simple shader in MCX, in that case the bump map will not be shown in the MCX preview.
 
arno said:
Hi,

Check if your enabled the simple shader in MCX, in that case the bump map will not be shown in the MCX preview.
Click to expand...

Hi Arno.
Force Simple Shader = False. I also know this wouldn't have been the case, because I successfully converted and applied a normal map that was provided with a model I downloaded from Turbosquid. However, it seems that every time I try to make one myself, it just doesn't show up..

Is there a specific format that a bump/normal map must be in when it is generated?
 
OK. I actually got the visibility issue figured out. I didn't know that there was a Bump Scale texture option. Changing this from a 0 to 1 helped a lot. :rolleyes:
 
christopherbritton said:
OK. I actually got the visibility issue figured out. I didn't know that there was a Bump Scale texture option. Changing this from a 0 to 1 helped a lot. :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

Yes, that would make a difference as well :)
 
Hello,...

I assume you are referring to the setting within MCX (ex Bump 1, instead of 0).... I thought the default was 1. But that would for sure help matters. I can only suggest though only use the Normal map setting within PS CC 2017,... The reason behind this is: your creating a Normal map then converting to a Bump Map within MCX or directly using the imagetool application for use for FSX or P3D. Glad you got it working!
 
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