Convert Normal Map to Geometry (for 3D printing or sculpting)

If you have a model that fakes detail using a Normal map, it can be interesting to convert it to ‘real’ geometry that you can continue sculpting on, or for use in 3D printing. This shows you how to do it!

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[kavilpparwar]

When he said "your computer will Love you" ....😂😂😂😂😂😂

[NickCMOS]

"Your computer will love you"
WAAAAY TOO RELATABLE :D

[swapnayak]

The bump node takes the derivative of height node along x and y. To convert into height, plug the map into the normal map node and add the integrals along x and y. The constant of integration does not matter as it can be changed inside the modifier. To integrate, multiple the value of normal map along any axis and multiply it with a small number. The small number is like the resolution, integrate through all axes and add. Using math nodes it can be done inside blender. Just bake the map after that by using the viewer note and baking omit map

[Martin-mwuo]

The arms made my day! Thank you, on point tips!

[BlackStarEOP]

51 seconds that tells me everything I need to know. Thanks!

[brahimkhalilkaak]

Thank u for this short tutorial, helped me a lot !

[JoyceW-Art]

T-rex be flexing! That really caught me off guard! XD

[zaknelson]

When I tried it, it looks like it's just interpreting it as a height map, not converting the normal map, so it's prioritizing the Green/Y channel. You can tell in areas where the height should be flat, it instead seams to be sloped.

[instinctisfiercenotcruel.]

Thank you you have just made my week with this

[Co-Bolt]

This is just what I was looking for!!! Thank you!

[lostmarble]

now that's a lizard who doesn't skip arm day

[zizouille]

My computer froze for 2 years when applying the decimate modifier, but thanks, i can 3d print now

[drewknight]

so this is the method they used in Jurassic World to make a practical model of the dinosaurs from the cgi, thank you!

[MrRac]

I'd like you to do a longer version of this, and slow it down, so I can understand it better. 🙏

[Alzexza]

Funniest short tutorial clip I have watch in a while.. thanks for the giggle at 12 at night

[Diego-dqpi]

At first I thought "why the hell would I want this" then you mentioned 3d printing
But yeah, definitely the pc will love it

[roofoofighter]

The website does not create a displacement map from a normal map, when I try it, it’s obvious that the generated displacement map is wrong. The website requires a height map input, not a normal map. As far as I know there is no easy way to convert a normal map to a displacement map. It requires specific software.

[costaluca]

I licterally wrote Convert Normal Map to Geometry for blender, and I though I'm pretty sure blender secrets has the solutions... INDEED JAN has always the solution!!!!
GENIUS

[holton]

I dont know if that website works for Normal > Height. Seems its setup to work the opposite direction?

[dertobbe]

Or use materialize to convert into a height map