kMaps - HDR 32bit Procedural 360° Sky Maps Latitude/Longitude Cylindrical Mapping
Important: This plug-in is free and open-source. It was created and tested with Photoshop 2020 (21.2.1) (with CEP 9) in English on Windows 10. Compatibility with other versions is unknown.
Update: I've confirmed compatibility with the latest Photoshop (24.3.0 with CEP 11), but it still requires the English version. Importantly, CEP is being deprecated, which may limit this plug-in's usefulness in the future due to advancements in AI image synthesis.
kMaps offers simple, perlin, and fractal noise-based clouds in a classic style.
As an unsigned plug-in, manual installation and enabling Photoshop's debug mode is required (see video for instructions).
Please note that the plug-in contains some bugs, primarily in the user interface.
- Groundless Images: Generated images lack a ground plane, allowing for versatile use. Each image can effectively serve two purposes.
- Resolution: Generating 16K images depends on GPU and driver capabilities. 8K is consistently reliable, and 4K is generally suitable.
- 32-bit Depth: The 32-bit output is computationally intensive. The plugin initially creates a 16-bit PSD, simulating different exposures, and then combines them into a 32-bit image.
- Preset Compatibility: Presets are optimized for default cloud settings. Modifying advanced noise options might require adjustments to other parameters. Experiment with Seed and Noise Evolution values before applying presets.
- Aspect Ratio: Images are generated in a 1:1 aspect ratio to accommodate engines like Unity, which often resize and pack textures in this format.
Installation (Windows 10):
- Extract the
/com.k.mapsfolder from the .rar file and place it inC:/Users/***/AppData/Roaming/Adobe/CEP/extensions/. - Install the included Actions as usual.
- Enable Debug Mode in Photoshop (follow the video guide).
Simple Guide:
- Close all other files.
- Click "Render .PSD".
- Select a preset and click "Run".
- Optionally, click "Convert to HDR".
- Save the image.
Tips:
- The preview is a style guide, not a definitive representation.
- Ignore potential banding when zooming out. Gradients are accurate.
- To disable a layer or option without affecting presets, set its opacity to 0 instead of hiding it.
- The sun and moon may appear distorted depending on their position.
- The animation feature is experimental and prone to crashes. Use with caution.
Color Coding:
- Red: Do not modify these elements as they are controlled by the plugin.
- Blue and Green: These elements are editable.
Downloads:
kMaps-v2n Download Photoshop 2023 < 184Kb
HDR examples Download < 476Mb
PNG examples Download < 3.5Gb
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