What you need
Choose one authorised JPEG, PNG, or WebP still image up to 20 MB and 12 million decoded pixels. Animated frames are not processed.
Image Tools / Local studio
Image Normal Map Generator
Estimate luminance slopes with Sobel kernels, normalize XYZ direction vectors, and encode them as a reviewable RGB normal map.
Runs locallyNo image upload to Nirmion
Step 1 / Source
Choose one image
Drop your image here
Or browse for a JPEG, PNG, or WebP image that you own or are authorised to edit.
One file · up to 20 MB · maximum 50 megapixelsStep 2 / Output
Image Normal Map Generator method
This workflow uses one fixed, documented method so repeated runs on the same decoded pixels are comparable. Processing stays in this browser tab.
Create the RGB normal-map PNGThe source is not overwritten. Export creates a separate RGB normal-map PNG.
Keep this page open until the download begins.01No server upload
The selected image is decoded and re-encoded inside this browser tab.
02Working copy released
After download, the preview URL, decoded bitmap, canvas, and selected source reference are cleared.
03Your download remains
Nirmion cannot remove the finished file from your device or browser download history.
Workflow guide
Use image normal map generator with an inspectable review path
Horizontal and vertical Sobel gradients become X and Y vector components, a fixed positive Z is added, and the normalized vector is encoded in RGB. Compare the result with the untouched source before using it downstream.Social-ready choices
Prototype a surface-direction texture for a game mock-up, then test seams and orientation in the actual rendering engine.
What you receive
Download a separate RGB normal-map PNG; the original file on your device remains unchanged.
Decision guide
What image normal map generator measures or changes
Horizontal and vertical Sobel gradients become X and Y vector components, a fixed positive Z is added, and the normalized vector is encoded in RGB.
Luminance-derived normals are an approximation; they do not recover physical height, material response, calibrated scale, or hidden geometry. Browser-local processing avoids a Nirmion file upload, but it cannot remove copies stored elsewhere.
OpenCV Sobel derivatives tutorialUseful checks for image normal map generator
- Prototype a surface-direction texture for a game mock-up, then test seams and orientation in the actual rendering engine.
- Create a bounded review derivative while retaining the original for comparison, correction, or a different method.
- Test representative flat areas, gradients, edges, text, transparency, and high-frequency texture before accepting the output.
Good to know
Important image boundaries
- Why might a PNG not become smaller?
- PNG is lossless and browsers do not expose a quality control for it. Choose WebP or JPEG when reducing file size matters more than exact lossless pixels.
- Are animated images supported?
- No. The workspace accepts still JPEG, PNG, and WebP files. Re-encoding an animated source would otherwise keep only one frame.
- What does clearing the file mean?
- Because processing is local, there is no Nirmion server copy to delete. The tab releases its working references after success; your downloaded output remains on your device.
Questions answered
Frequently asked questions
Does Image Normal Map Generator upload my image?
No. For supported JPEG, PNG, and WebP inputs, decoding, pixel inspection, transformation, and export run in your current browser tab. Nirmion does not send the selected image to its API for this workflow. The result is a separate derivative or report, while the original file on your device remains unchanged and should be retained for comparison.
How does Image Normal Map Generator work?
Horizontal and vertical Sobel gradients become X and Y vector components, a fixed positive Z is added, and the normalized vector is encoded in RGB. Existing alpha values remain available to the documented operation. The method does not infer subjects, restore missing detail, calibrate a display, or develop raw camera data. Compare fine edges, gradients, text, texture, and transparent pixels with the original before relying on the result.
What are the limits of Image Normal Map Generator?
Luminance-derived normals are an approximation; they do not recover physical height, material response, calibrated scale, or hidden geometry. The workspace accepts one supported still image up to 20 MB and caps this pixel-intensive operation at 12 million decoded pixels for predictable browser memory use. Results depend on browser decoding and encoding support. Animation, raw development, ICC calibration, layer editing, and batch processing are outside this tool's verified scope.