AENormal for After Effects

AENormal is an After Effects project file that can convert a Depth/Height texture to a Normal Map, High Pass, and basic Ambient Occlusion.

To use it, simply replace the Height Map layer in the composition. Everything is controlled via a Controls layer at the top of the layer stack.

You are given control over the intensity of the Normal Map and a range of other parameters to get the result you're looking for. You can use the High Pass function to create Cavity maps, or even use it in creating your Normal Map to only emphasize fine detail.

There is basic Tiling functionality which works well for noisy textures, but not so well for patterned depth maps.

The project comes with 5 template compositions to drop your depth textures into:

• 512 x 512
• 1024 x 1024
• 2048 x 2048
• 4096 x 4096
• 8192 x 8192

You can freely change the size of the composition and all the effects should remain intact and functioning. Processing will be slower for larger compositions. The project works best when using 32-bit color, but will still work correctly in other bit-depths (though you may see banding in 8-bit).

No third-party plugins are required, all effects are created in native After Effects.

Small disclaimer, this is a close approximation of how Normal Maps are created but it's not technically correct. Though it still creates great results.

I'd love to see what you create using this tool! I'm on Twitter @AECartographer, and am around on the /r/AfterEffects Discord. If you have any feedback or suggestions, shoot me a message on Twitter!

Note: This is not an Effect plugin, this is a After Effects project file, containing a Pseudo Effect that uses expressions to control effects.

This product is free, but should not be redistributed/sold/rebranded as a new product. If you include it as part of a template, please credit AECartographer and provide links to this page.

Changelog

• Hotfix: Added Tiling Compensation layer to fix edge pixel errors when Tiling is enabled.