5.0
out
of
5
of
5
Rated By
2 Users
2 Users
Screenshot
Program Information
License:
Freeware (Free)
Size:
16.9 MB
Updated:
Downloads:
1892
Platform:
Windows All
Publisher:
azagaya(more)
Website:
FindMySoft Editor's Review
Laigter - Generate normal and parallax maps
Just because a video game is 2D doesn't mean that it should look ugly and flat. Applying a 3D-like effect will make their environments look much better and more convincing. Of course, more effects mean more work, but not if you're using Laigter. This little utility gives you the possibility of generating normal maps for 2D textures on the fly. It's an excellent solution if you want to illuminate a 2D sprite in a game, but it also serves as a great tool for creating depth effects in backgrounds to make them look more realistic.
You can pay what you want for the application, and you can even have it for free, though you wouldn't be helping the developer. It's compatible with all modern Windows systems, and you can also find a Linux version. Downloading and installing the software doesn't take more than a minute, and it doesn't involve any complicated settings, regardless of what platform you use.
Though creating normal maps sounds like a hassle, the software makes the process as easy as possible. It generates the map automatically, and you only need to make some final adjustments to make it fit into your project. All you have to do is import an image, preferably in BMP format, but you can also work with PNG and JPG, after which you can tweak the height, smoothness and other aspects of the normal maps, by simply dragging a few sliders.
All the modifications you make are made visible instantly in the large preview area, in the central part of the interface, but you need to be in the corresponding view mode. You can switch between texture, normal map and parallax map view mode via the radio buttons on the right side of the interface. Also, if you want to create a parallax map, you will have to switch to another set of adjustment controls, found on a separate tab, on the left side of the main window.
Besides the map view modes, you can also go to a preview mode, to see how your textures will look once added into a video game, and you can also activate a few features to enhance the 3D effect. What's more, the software adds a light source in the preview, which you can move around to see how the light will affect the texture from different angles. Once you're done and satisfied, you may export your maps right away, with a single click, and use them in your projects.
If you're developing a game, Laigter can make your sprites and backgrounds look much better and save you valuable time.
Pros:
You can generate and adjust normal maps on the fly. The software can also create parallax maps, for 3D-looking backgrounds. Everything can be done by simply dragging a few sliders.
Cons:
There are no obvious drawbacks to point out.
You can download Laigter free here.
You can pay what you want for the application, and you can even have it for free, though you wouldn't be helping the developer. It's compatible with all modern Windows systems, and you can also find a Linux version. Downloading and installing the software doesn't take more than a minute, and it doesn't involve any complicated settings, regardless of what platform you use.
Though creating normal maps sounds like a hassle, the software makes the process as easy as possible. It generates the map automatically, and you only need to make some final adjustments to make it fit into your project. All you have to do is import an image, preferably in BMP format, but you can also work with PNG and JPG, after which you can tweak the height, smoothness and other aspects of the normal maps, by simply dragging a few sliders.
All the modifications you make are made visible instantly in the large preview area, in the central part of the interface, but you need to be in the corresponding view mode. You can switch between texture, normal map and parallax map view mode via the radio buttons on the right side of the interface. Also, if you want to create a parallax map, you will have to switch to another set of adjustment controls, found on a separate tab, on the left side of the main window.
Besides the map view modes, you can also go to a preview mode, to see how your textures will look once added into a video game, and you can also activate a few features to enhance the 3D effect. What's more, the software adds a light source in the preview, which you can move around to see how the light will affect the texture from different angles. Once you're done and satisfied, you may export your maps right away, with a single click, and use them in your projects.
If you're developing a game, Laigter can make your sprites and backgrounds look much better and save you valuable time.
Pros:
You can generate and adjust normal maps on the fly. The software can also create parallax maps, for 3D-looking backgrounds. Everything can be done by simply dragging a few sliders.
Cons:
There are no obvious drawbacks to point out.
You can download Laigter free here.
Laigter Awards
Laigter Editor's Review Rating
Laigter has been reviewed by Frederick Barton on
29 May 2019. Based on the user interface, features and complexity, Findmysoft has rated
Laigter
5
out of 5 stars, naming it Essential
