nice alternative to CrazyBump

[nemac4]

After a bit of searching a came across a very nice alternative to CrazyBump called Shader Map Pro. Great product with a great price and very relaxed license.

http://www.shadermap.renderingsystems.com/

[RollerJesus]

Thanks...

I've been looking for an alternative since the Crazy Bump Beta ended. $20 is about right for my pocketbook!

[jthompson3d]

Don't be to fooled, no where as good as Crazy Bump, my company ended up getting it because the same reason, Crazy Bump trial ended. We got this and my honest opinion is I don't care for it that much, could have been I got to use to CrazyBump's "Real Time" tweaking.

This one there is no real time tweaking, you make your setting the has to generat it. Then if you need to tweak it, have to close the 3d windows change your setting and the has to generate it again, no realtime where you drag sliders and see it changing. No real time at all on any sliders. :confused:

Still not bad but no where close as CrazyBump. I guess you pay for what you get. :)

[Sekhar]

Would you be so kind as to make normal/bump maps with each one for the same image and post? We could then compare the qualities first hand.

[nemac4]

ShaderMap pro never claimed real time adjustments. You can still shell out $300 for CrazyBump if you need that.

[Simon]

I just bought this and have to say it's pretty good for the cash. It's just been updated today too so now the previews update when you change the settings. I can't figure out if the GUI can be made bigger though, it's pretty small for me. Anyway here's a few tests ...

[arrow1234]

i think nvidia released some normal mapping plugins for PS as well, have anyone tried it?

[MrFurious]

forget the nVidia plugs... xNormal is quite good, and free.

http://www.xnormal.net/2.aspx

[arrow1234]

i m just using the shadermap LC free version, works perfect, but i got a question. Shadermap is able to import a color map, process and then export into Normal map, Displacement map, Specular map and DUDV map. What is DUDV map ?

I attach an image here, so just to show u what i m talking about:
http://i36.tinypic.com/106a8vt.jpg

eww... it looks greeny and orangy

[RedBull]

map. What is DUDV map ?


http://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Du/dv_maps

[MrFurious]

i m just using the shadermap LC free version, works perfect, but i got a question. Shadermap is able to import a color map, process and then export into Normal map, Displacement map, Specular map and DUDV map. What is DUDV map ?

I attach an image here, so just to show u what i m talking about:
http://i36.tinypic.com/106a8vt.jpg

eww... it looks greeny and orangy

That screengrab you posted looks like the Pro Demo, not the CL Free (command-line only) version...

[arrow1234]

for refraction... sounds useful, but i bet LW doesnt (or not need to)support that DUDV map, neither other 3d apps can (i think). The information is from the valve web page, so i think only their game engine can make DUDV useful. And it said its for dx8 booooooo :P


and sorry, the image i post is PRO demo. The pro demo doesnt generate any maps (the generate sub menu is greyed out) but only give you preview after adjusting values. The only tool that can generates maps is LC, the free version.

[3DGFXStudios]

Here's the nvidia plug. It works. It's not so fancy as the other standalone programs but it's free....

[3DGFXStudios]

http://developer.nvidia.com/object/photoshop_dds_plugins.html#downloads

[hrgiger]

ShaderMapPro looks nice. The price is nice too.

[jwiede]

Wish there were a Mac version, but alas.