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Normal Map Converter

by 3Z Axis·Workflow

Images © 3Z Axis. Used for product review; image policy.

Why we like it

A compact utility that keeps color space, bit depth, and float settings intact through conversion — earning its place for handling the details manual channel flipping tends to lose.

What is Normal Map Converter?

Normal Map Converter is a Blender add-on from 3Z Axis for converting normal maps between OpenGL and DirectX formats. It flips the green channel to match the desired format while keeping the original image's properties intact, including color space (such as Non-Color or sRGB), bit depth at 8-bit or 16-bit, and float buffer handling.

The add-on works directly inside Blender's Image Editor, with the tool accessible from the Image Editor sidebar. Conversion runs in both directions, taking OpenGL maps to DirectX and the reverse. It is aimed at game developers, 3D artists, and texture artists who need to move normal maps between the two format conventions.

Normal Map Converter supports Blender versions 3.0 through 4.5 and is compatible with Blender-Internal, Blender-Game-Engine, Cycles, and Eevee. It is released under the GPL license. Documentation is included with the add-on. As a focused utility, it automates a task that would otherwise require manual channel editing, keeping normal maps ready for use in game engines and 3D workflows.

Who is Normal Map Converter best for?

Normal Map Converter is best for game developers, 3D artists, and texture artists working with normal maps across OpenGL and DirectX formats.

How much does Normal Map Converter cost?

Normal Map Converter is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • Bidirectional conversion between OpenGL and DirectX normal maps by flipping the green channel
  • Preserves the original color space, such as Non-Color or sRGB
  • Retains bit depth, whether the image is 8-bit or 16-bit
  • Handles float buffer images properly during conversion
  • Runs directly in Blender's Image Editor, accessed from the sidebar
  • Documentation included

Tags

#normal map#OpenGL#DirectX#texture#Blender add-on#game development#materials

Frequently asked questions

What Blender versions does Normal Map Converter support?

Normal Map Converter supports Blender versions 3.0 through 4.5. It is also listed as compatible with several render engines, including Blender-Internal, Blender-Game-Engine, Cycles, and Eevee. The add-on operates within Blender's Image Editor, and the conversion tool is reached from the Image Editor sidebar. Any of these supported Blender versions should let you access it as intended, making the plugin usable across a broad range of recent Blender releases without needing a particular engine configured first.

How does Normal Map Converter switch between OpenGL and DirectX formats?

Normal Map Converter flips the green channel of the image to convert between the OpenGL and DirectX normal map conventions, working in both directions. During this process it preserves the original color space, such as Non-Color or sRGB, keeps the bit depth unchanged whether the image is 8-bit or 16-bit, and ensures float buffer images are handled properly, so the converted map keeps the properties of the source.

Where do I access Normal Map Converter inside Blender?

Normal Map Converter is used directly within Blender's Image Editor, so it integrates into that part of the interface rather than running elsewhere. The tool is reached through the sidebar of the Image Editor. Documentation is included with the add-on to guide its use. This placement keeps the conversion accessible alongside the image you are working on within Blender.

Is Normal Map Converter free, and what license does it use?

Normal Map Converter is listed as free in this catalog and is released under the GPL license. For current licensing details, terms, and any updates, check the developer's page from 3Z Axis. The add-on has recorded over ten sales and was published about a year ago, so referring to the official page is the best way to confirm the latest availability and license information before you use it.

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