Create normal maps from textures and heightmaps

Calculate tangent-space normal maps locally from heightmaps or colour textures and inspect their effect in a lit preview.

Drop textures or heightmaps hereChoose one or more image files

Live preview

Add a texture or heightmap to calculate its normal map.

Light direction315°Light strength100%

Export

PNG stays lossless and preserves the original image dimensions.

ZIP archive nameFilename suffix

Tool guide

How to use this tool

Generate OpenGL and DirectX normal maps from heightmaps or regular textures.

Quick guide

1
Add the files or sources required for the task.
PNG, JPG, JPEG, WebP, AVIF, BMP, TIFF, HEIC, HEIF
2
Adjust the available settings for the result you need.
OpenGL · 4× · 2 px · seamless
3
Review the result and download the finished file.
PNG · 2048 × 2048 px · RGB

Good use cases

Calculate tangent-space normal maps locally from heightmaps or colour textures and inspect their effect in a lit preview.
Heightmap · Colour texture · OpenGL · DirectX

Tips and limitations

Which inputs are supported?PNG, JPG, JPEG, WebP, AVIF, BMP, TIFF, HEIC, HEIF

Height is approximated from colour. Lighting and colour patterns can affect the result.
PNG stays lossless and preserves the original image dimensions.

Practical example: Create normal maps from textures and heightmaps

A typical workflow with concrete inputs, settings, and a traceable result.

Which inputs are supported?PNG · Heightmap · 2048 × 2048 px
Adjust the available settings for the result you need.OpenGL · 4× · 2 px · seamless
What does the tool create?PNG · 2048 × 2048 px · RGB

Frequently asked questions

Which inputs are supported?

PNG, JPG, JPEG, WebP, AVIF, BMP, TIFF, HEIC, HEIF Height is approximated from colour. Lighting and colour patterns can affect the result.

What does the tool create?

PNG · 2048 × 2048 px · RGB Heightmap · Colour texture · OpenGL · DirectX

Which settings should I check before exporting?

OpenGL · 4× · 2 px · seamless Height is approximated from colour. Lighting and colour patterns can affect the result.

Which limitations should I keep in mind?

Height is approximated from colour. Lighting and colour patterns can affect the result. PNG stays lossless and preserves the original image dimensions.

Are my files uploaded for processing?

No. Selected files are processed in this browser tab and are not uploaded to a LocalFileLab processing server.