Is the normal map generator free?

Yes. The Vextrude Normal Map Generator is completely free to use for personal and commercial projects.

Are my images uploaded to a server?

No. All normal-map processing happens locally in your browser, so source images never leave your device.

What types of maps can I generate?

You can generate tangent-space normal, displacement, ambient occlusion and specular maps from a single source texture.

Free Online Normal Map Generator | Displacement, AO, Specular

How it works

The tool reads your image as a height field, computes gradients using a Sobel-like filter, and encodes the resulting surface normals into RGB (X→R, Y→G, Z→B) in tangent space.

Use the strength slider to exaggerate or soften details, blur to smooth noisy source images, and invert axes to match engines like Unity, Unreal, or Blender.

How to use the normal map generator

Upload a texture: Drag and drop a height or diffuse image into the drop zone.
Adjust details: Use the strength and blur sliders to control how sharp or soft the surface appears.
Fine-tune lighting: Tweak AO and specular sliders, or invert axes and switch engine presets to match your target renderer.
Inspect previews: Compare height, generated maps and the shaded 3D preview to validate the result.
Export maps: Download the selected map or all maps at once in PNG, JPG or TIFF format.

What is a normal map?

A normal map stores per-pixel surface directions in RGB, allowing flat meshes to react to light as if they had detailed geometry. This keeps models lightweight while preserving the illusion of depth and relief.

Game engines like Unity, Unreal Engine and DCC tools such as Blender use tangent-space normal maps extensively for materials, decals and tiling textures. Matching the correct Y-axis convention is critical, which is why this tool includes presets and axis inversion options.

For a deeper walkthrough, including engine presets, 3D preview tips and export best practices, read the full tutorial Generate Game‑Ready Normal Maps in Your Browser.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the normal map generator really free?

Yes. You can use the Vextrude Normal Map Generator for both personal and commercial projects with no account, watermark, or hidden limits.

Do my images ever leave my device?

No. All processing runs entirely in your browser using WebGL. Textures are never uploaded to a remote server, which keeps your assets private.

Which maps can I export from a texture?

From a single height or diffuse image you can generate tangent-space normal maps, displacement maps, ambient occlusion maps, and specular maps, then download them as PNG, JPG, or TIFF.

Generate Game‑Ready Maps in Your Browser

How it works