Displacement Map: Create the Easy Way in Photoshop!

Displacement map or displacement mapping is a technique for adjusting an image and adding details to it, for use in 3D models without significantly increasing the polygon count. Modifies the image based on the texture map, creating the appearance of bumps, dents, and other irregularities on the model’s surface.

The base texture map (Diffuse) is used to encode the height or depth of each point on the model surface. This information is then used to create the illusion of depth and detail in the generated map.

It can also be used to add surface detail to a 3D model, including wrinkles, pores, scales, etc. It is used in textures in architectural models to add realism to 3D models.

1- Open the desired image in Photoshop to make the Displacement Map

Preferably the seamless image (seamless)

Go to Filter → 3D → Generate Bump Map (Height).

2- Invert map height

After inverting the height of the map, just press OK and the map will already be generated!

But what is the difference between the Displacement Map and the Normal Bump?

Map Displacement
Map Normal Bump

The main difference between the two is how they affect the geometry of the 3D model. The displacement map shifts the model’s geometry by moving the vertices of the mesh according to the information in the modified original map, resulting in a model with more details.

On the other hand, the Bump map does not alter the geometry of the original model. Instead, it simulates the appearance of small bumps and irregularities on the model’s surface through texture information, affecting only the model’s appearance, not its geometry.

In summary, the displacement map is more accurate and can provide more details but may take longer to render, while the bump map is faster and easier to use but may not be as precise as the displacement map in terms of surface details.

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