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Full Version: Gimp Normal map affects COMP green channel?
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I am creating a livery for an Aeroplane Heaven model for MSFS. I understand PBR, and I am able to get the look I want using the amazing tools in Gimp which is my main program for liveries.
I wanted to redo the lines and rivets on this particular model as they were quite messy, my repaint is depicting the restored aircraft so I wanted a better organized NORMAL. I redrew the entire lines and rivet network for the model using layers in Gimp 2.10. I started to use NORMAL Map feature ( Filters/Generic/Norm) and I got great results, but one thing has me baffled. It seems the new NORM texture is affecting the "shine" of the model in game (typically controlled by the COMP's Green channel). I don't understand how that is possible when I am working on the NORM texture exclusively. 
With the export, I made sure the Alpha channel was turned off, 16bit NORMAL, Y not flipped (the result of flipping the Y was not correct). When applied, the model lines, rivets, hatches, all look fantastic, except now the sheen on the model is extreme. Reverting back to the messy default NORMAL, sheen is correct.
Could anyone please help to explain how the NORMAL map generated by Gimp results in an over-polished sheen on the model in game?

Workflow and results:
[Image: 53086410887_9043805d50_w.jpg]Multi-Layered Master
[Image: 53087382290_57cfa37305_w.jpg]Collapsed_Layers_No Alpha

[Image: 53087382315_1eb9342046_w.jpg]Converted to NORM Alpha Off

[Image: 53086976596_dd6c4e2e09.jpg]Export to DDS settings
[Image: 53087382180_9a4b6ddbaf.jpg]Shine difference  [Image: 53087471353_6534a53c54.jpg]shine difference
[Image: 53087385020_58cf23db09.jpg]Shine Difference [Image: 53087163634_4c3aba4b69.jpg]Underside shine difference
Thanks for reading, any advice is appreciated.

Doug
I have solved the issue: Seems if I use Paint.net to open the NORM and resave as a BC5 Signed, Linear, it appears as it should, gloss is gone, I'm happy. Would still like to know what is different with the Gimp export format for NORMAL maps, compared to the BC5 Signed,Linear format option of Paint.net. I hope I'm making sense this is all very technical and the terminology is still new to me.