Tangent to Surface Normal


  • Where to find it:


    • Add Adjustment Layer / Extension Pack / Normal Map /


    • NodeGraph / Right Mouse Click / Nodes / Filter / Extension Pack / Normal Map /




The Tangent to Surface Normal Adjustment Node allows you to convert your Tangent Space Normal Map into a surface Normal that

many Mari default nodes can use (Triplanar etc.) in their Calculation, when attached to their 'Normal' Handle in the Nodegraph.


It provides a way to make Mari aware of fine details and surface normals from highres models, when working with lower res geo.


On the left the normals generated with a 'Surface Normal' Node on a lowpoly model.

On the right the normals generated with the 'Tangent to Surface Normal' Adjustment over a Normal Map.

Node Overview

Node Ports


  • Manifold

The 'Manifold' connection can be used to feed in a coordinate system for the evaluation of the gradient.

Possible node connections are for example the 'Manifold 3D', 'Manifold UV', 'UV', 'Position' etc.


Node Properties


MAIN TAB


  • Invert Red

Will invert the Red Channel of the attached Normal Map


  • Invert Green

Will invert the Green Channel of the attached Normal Map

OpenGl vs DirectX Normal Map


Mari's Shaders by default expect a Direct X Normal Map.

If you have an OpenGl Normal Map you will have to invert the Green Channel to get a Direct X Normal Map


  • Switch Red/Green

Allows you to swap the Red/Green Component of a Tangent Space Normal Map attached to the Node in the

Nodegraph