Changes between Initial Version and Version 1 of ParallaxNormalMaps

Timestamp:

Dec 27, 2019, 9:01:38 PM (4 years ago)

Author:

Stan

Comment:

Initial version, needs images.

ParallaxNormalMaps

@@ +1 @@
+[[TOC]]
+= Parallax Normal Maps =
+== Introduction ==
+The Pyrogenesis engine supports a type of map called a 'parallax map' in addition to [wiki:NormalMaps normal maps]. Those maps are a special kind of [wiki:NormalMaps normal maps] with an alpha channel. The alpha channel defines the intensity of the parallax effect. 
+
+
+
+== Examples == 
+
+**Important**: The parallax map only work if there is actual normal information:
+
+||= Combinations          =||= Result        =||
+|| Alpha + Normal          || Big effect      ||
+|| Normal                  || Small effect    ||
+|| Alpha - Normal          || No effect       ||
+|| Plain  Normal `#8080ff` || No effect       ||
+
+Full transparency (Alpha at `#000000` (Black)) means maximum depth. 
+No transparency (Alpha at `#FFFFFF` (White)) means no parallax.
+
+To disable parallax completely you need to use a [wiki:MaterialSystem material] without:
+
+{{{#!xml
+<define name="USE_PARALLAX" value="1"/>
+}}}
+
+== Tips ==
+
+* Baking the ambient occlusion (AO) of a more detailed mesh works nicely as an alpha channel mask.
+* Just like for the normal avoid noisy alpha channels, and prefer clean simple ones instead.
+* In GIMP, you can create your mask as normal channel on top of your existing texture, then paste it as a mask for another layer.
+* If your texture uses parallax for everypixel, it's better to set the default alpha color to a medium gray (e.g. `#777777`) this way you have more control over depth. Anything below that value will be a crease, and anything above that value will be a bump.
+* If you notice some weird glitches try the edge split modifier in Blender. 
+
+== Caveats ==
+
+* Don't mirror UV coordinates when using parallax as it may generate a color discrepancy.
+* Don't use parallax if you don't need to. Sometime a simple normal is all you need.
+