Baking a bevel map
We will now learn how to simulate smooth bevels using a normal map.
At this point, the object has a bumpy surface, but its edges look too sharp and unrealistic. We can make the edges look nicer by adding bevels, but that will increase the polygon count too much. We can simulate smooth beveled edges using the same normal map techniques we already learned:
- First, duplicate the object and bevel the sharp edges on the copy with Ctrl + B.
Figure 6.20 – Bevels versus no bevels
- Move the objects so that they are in exactly the same place.
Select the original object and in Edit Mode, solidify everything slightly using Alt + S. This will ensure that the copied object is completely contained by the original object. In the same way we moved the plane above the carbon fiber mesh when baking the previous normal map, we need the surface to be slightly above the high-poly mesh.
Figure 6.21 –...
