Create Normal Maps in Photoshop
Photoshop is the industry standard for image editing, and it has powerful tools for generating normal maps. Whether you use the native filter or plugins, this guide covers the workflow.
Method 1: The Built-in Filter (Easiest)
Since Photoshop CC 2015, Adobe has included a native filter for generating bump and normal maps.
- Open your texture file in Photoshop.
- Go to Filter → 3D → Generate Normal Map...
- A window will pop up with a sphere preview.
- Adjust the "Blur" to remove noise and "Detail Scale" to control the intensity.
- Click OK.
Warning: As of 2024-2025, Adobe has begun deprecating some 3D features. If this menu is missing, you may need to enable "Technology Previews" in preferences or use Method 2.
Method 2: NVIDIA Texture Tools (Pro Choice)
Most professional game artists use the free NVIDIA Texture Tools Exporter plugin. It's faster, supports DDS compression, and creates higher quality maps.
- Download and install the plugin from NVIDIA's developer site.
- Restart Photoshop.
- Go to Filter → NVIDIA Tools → NormalMapFilter.
- This gives you extensive control over height generation, scale, and axis orientation.
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Launch Free GeneratorWhich Method is Best?
The Built-in Filter is great for quick, one-off textures if you already have Photoshop open.
NVIDIA Plugin is essential if you are working with game engines pipelines that require DDS files or batch processing.
Online Generators (like ours) are the fastest option for prototyping or when you're on a machine without expensive software installed.