ZBrush Tip: Tangent vs Object-Space Normal Maps in ZBrush

Picking between Tangent and Object space normals is a small checkbox in ZBrush that has big downstream implications. Choose based on how your asset moves, where it goes, and how your target renderer interprets normals.

• Tangent-space normals
  • Best for deforming assets like characters, creatures, and anything rigged. The detail “sticks” to the surface as it bends.
  • Produces bluish maps with subtle color shifts; orientation is relative to the surface tangent basis.
  • Portable across UV edits (as long as topology and tangents are preserved) and efficient for game engines.
  • Typical for engines like Unreal and Unity; verify channel orientation (often requires green-channel flip depending on target).
• Object-space normals
  • Ideal for static props, hero assets, scans, and product shots where the mesh won’t deform.
  • Produces colorful “rainbow” maps; orientation is relative to the object, yielding cleaner gradients and fewer shading artifacts.
  • Great for baking ultra-clean hard-surface details and for offline renders where stability and fidelity matter.
  • Not suited for deformation; any pose change breaks lighting correctness.

Configuring in ZBrush

• Prepare UVs first (Tool > UV Map). Set the final map size (e.g., 4096) and enable SmoothUV if your destination smooths during render.
• Create normals (Tool > Normal Map):
  • Enable Tangent for tangent-space, disable it for object-space.
  • Flip G if your target uses DirectX-style normals; uncheck for OpenGL conventions. Verify per engine.
  • Use Adaptive for sharper microdetail on hard surfaces; test with and without to avoid aliasing.
• For multi-subtool or batch export, use Zplugin > Multi Map Exporter. Match size, padding (8–16 px), and channel flips consistently.

Pipeline and compatibility tips

• Match tangent basis with your destination. If your engine/DCC uses MikkTSpace, confirm results in-engine; when absolute parity is required, consider baking in the target app for 1:1 shading.
• Avoid double flips. If you flip G in ZBrush, don’t flip again on import. Keep a per-engine preset.
• Set normal maps to non-color data (linear) in external DCCs and engines to prevent gamma shifts.
• Mind UV seams: enable padding and, if needed, SmoothUV to align with the renderer’s smoothing behavior.
• Validate with a neutral lit turntable before committing. Look for seam pops, inverted curvature, or gradient banding.

Quick decision checklist

• Is the asset deforming? Use Tangent.
• Is the asset static and needs pristine shading? Use Object.
• What’s the engine convention? Set Flip G accordingly.
• Are UVs final and padded? Prevent seam artifacts.

Need reliable licensing and expert guidance for ZBrush and companion tools? Explore NOVEDGE, or connect with NOVEDGE for tailored pipeline recommendations and bundles that cover sculpting, baking, and rendering workflows.

You can find all the ZBrush products on the NOVEDGE web site at this page.