To Create a Normal Bump Map

3ds Max provides a number of different ways to create and use normal bump mapping, but the most straightforward and simplest workflow involves these steps:

1. Create a detailed, high-resolution model.
2. Create a simpler, low-resolution model.

   The low-resolution model should have the general shape and outlines of the high-resolution model, and typically it should be a bit smaller, so that projected detail in the high-res model will appear to be above its surface.

3. Select the low-res model.
4. Choose Rendering Render to Texture.

   The Render To Texture dialog appears.

5. On the Objects To Bake rollout, in the Projection Mapping group, click Pick.

   3ds Max opens a selection dialog.

6. Choose the high-res object, and then click Add.

   3ds Max applies a Projection modifier to the low-res object.

7. In the Projection Mapping group, turn on Enable.
   Note: At this stage, often you will click Options to display the Projection Options dialog, which has a variety of settings for how to generate the projection.
8. On the Output rollout, add a NormalsMap element. Assign Bump as its target map slot.
9. In the Selected Elements Unique settings group, turn on Output Into Normal Bump.
10. Click Render.

    3ds Max renders the Normals map, which stores normals data from the high-res object. As for other kinds of texture baking, it creates a Shell material and applies that to the low-res object, with the Normals map assigned as the bump component.