Normal Mapping
Normal Mapping adds surface detail to your material without increasing the polygon count of your model, creating the illusion of more complex geometry.
Main Parameters
Use Normal Map
Toggle to enable or disable the normal mapping effect.
Normal Map
The normal map texture that defines the surface details. This is typically a blue-purple texture that encodes direction information.
Normal Scale
Controls the intensity of the normal mapping effect. Higher values create more pronounced surface details, while lower values create subtler effects.
Usage
Normal Mapping is useful for adding surface details while maintaining the stylized toon look:
- Enable "Use Normal Map"
- Assign a normal map texture
- Adjust the Normal Scale to control the intensity of the effect
In toon shading, normal maps are often used more subtly than in realistic rendering. They can add just enough detail to suggest texture without breaking the stylized appearance. Normal maps affect:
- How light interacts with the surface
- The appearance of rim lighting effects
- The definition of specular highlights
For the best results with toon shading, use normal maps that emphasize the major surface features rather than fine details, which can sometimes conflict with the simplified toon aesthetic.