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Poser - OFFICIAL F.A.Q (Last Updated: 2026 Apr 10 4:02 pm)

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Subject: Which normal map to use?

RedPhantom opened this issue on Jul 22, 2025 ยท 3 posts
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RedPhantom ( ) posted Tue, 22 July 2025 at 4:26 PM ยท edited Sun, 12 April 2026 at 10:27 AM
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Sometimes the PBR maps I download come with 2 normal maps, one is dx and one is gl. Which is the one Poser wants?

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I use Poser 13 and win 10

GGreen ( ) posted Tue, 22 July 2025 at 5:31 PM

Just curious here. Have you tried both of them, and which one gives you the best result. This might help - https://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/36525/ff-normal-maps-for-poser-ds-opengl-or-directx?srsltid=AfmBOorRZk76QBeSKXBlvekwD8PoVHCGC5vSEJQqNl8DbjXyzjywdTsK

You probably already know the information below so this is for others following the thread.

Poser: choosing between DX and GL
For 3D software like Poser, when you see "DX" or "GL," it likely refers to DirectX and OpenGL, which are Graphics APIs. 
DirectX (DX)
  • Windows-centric: DirectX is Microsoft's proprietary graphics API, primarily associated with Windows platforms.
  • Default for Unreal Engine: In the Unreal Engine, DirectX is the default and recommended choice for normal maps.
  • Advantages:
    • Optimized for Windows operating systems.
    • Widely used in gaming and other graphics-intensive applications.
    • Can potentially offer faster performance depending on the specific application and hardware.
  • Disadvantages: Primarily limited to Windows. 
OpenGL (GL)
  • Cross-platform: OpenGL is an open-source graphics API that functions across multiple operating systems, including Windows, Mac, and Linux.
  • Blender default: Blender, for example, expects normal maps in the OpenGL format.
  • Advantages:
    • Supports a broader range of hardware and operating systems.
    • Open-source nature promotes community development and support.
  • Disadvantages: While some claims suggest OpenGL is smoother or more efficient, in practice, a well-written application can perform equally well with either OpenGL or DirectX. 
Important considerations
  • Normal Map Green Channel: When converting normal maps between DirectX and OpenGL, it's often necessary to invert the green channel due to differing coordinate systems (OpenGL: Y+, DirectX: Y-).
  • Poser Features: Poser itself has features that utilize OpenGL, like hardware acceleration and improved performance, according to Wikipedia. It also supports various rendering engines, including one that works with normal mapping. 
Ultimately, the "better" choice between DirectX and OpenGL depends on your specific needs and workflow within Poser. If you primarily work within Windows and export for applications that favor DirectX, then DirectX might be preferable. Conversely, if cross-platform compatibility and integration with other OpenGL-based software are crucial, OpenGL could be the better fit. G2A notes that it's important to be aware of the green channel inversion when switching between formats. 


Another thing is 

OpenGL normal maps are x+y+z+. While DirectX normal maps are x+y-z+. So it's a difference between 
Does this mean that DirectX is reversed on one of the axis?

ChromeStar ( ) posted Tue, 22 July 2025 at 10:57 PM

Googling suggests that you want GL for Blender Cycles. I would expect the same is true for Superfly.

Searching the Poser documentation for OpenGL verifies this -- the normal maps should be OpenGL.

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