---
title: "Normal Map"
url: "https://help.maxon.net/c4d/en-us/Content/html/NET_MAXON_RENDER_NODE_NORMAL.html"
section_path: "The Node Editor > The individual Assets > Surface > Normal Map"
element_id: "NET_MAXON_RENDER_NODE_NORMAL"
description: "This page covers the Normal Map node of the classic node materials in Cinema 4D. It prepares normal-map textures for the Material node's normal input — …"
---

# Normal Map

> **Note:** **What is it about?**
>
> This page covers the **Normal Map node** of the classic node materials in **Cinema 4D**. It prepares normal-map textures for the Material node's normal input — precisely oriented micro-detail from baked maps.

![Image: 042532.jpg](https://help.maxon.net/c4d/en-us/Content/Resources/Images/042532.jpg)\
Normal maps can be used whenever you want to create fine details on a surface that would be too complex to model. However, the shape of the object will not actually be changed, so there are limits to the effect. If the viewing angle is too flat, you will quickly notice that only the surface shading has been changed.

> **Tip:** Note:
>
> This Node is only available when editing a classic Cinema 4D Node Material.

This Node prepares a Normal Map texture for use at the **Normal input**of a [Material Node](https://help.maxon.net/c4d/en-us/Content/html/NET_MAXON_RENDER_NODE_MATERIAL.html.md).