# MDLNormalMapTexture A generator of texel data that computes a normal map from a supplied texture. ``` class MDLNormalMapTexture ``` ## Overview This class examines the shapes of contrasting areas in an input texture to generate a normal map that produces an embossed appearance when rendered with lighting. The figure below shows the normal map generated from an example texture and the effect of using this normal map with lighting in a typical renderer.  Like other procedural [`MDLTexture`](/documentation/ModelIO/MDLTexture) subclasses, the [`MDLNormalMapTexture`](/documentation/ModelIO/MDLNormalMapTexture) class generates texel data only when that data is first referenced, and caches it for future use. ## Topics ### Creating a Normal Map Texture [`- initByGeneratingNormalMapWithTexture:name:smoothness:contrast:`](/documentation/ModelIO/MDLNormalMapTexture/init(byGeneratingNormalMapWith:name:smoothness:contrast:)) Initializes a normal map to be generated from the specified texture. ## Relationships ### Conforms To [`MDLNamed`](/documentation/ModelIO/MDLNamed) [`CustomStringConvertible`](/documentation/Swift/CustomStringConvertible) [`Hashable`](/documentation/Swift/Hashable) [`NSObjectProtocol`](/documentation/ObjectiveC/NSObjectProtocol) [`Equatable`](/documentation/Swift/Equatable) [`CustomDebugStringConvertible`](/documentation/Swift/CustomDebugStringConvertible) [`CVarArg`](/documentation/Swift/CVarArg) ### Inherits From [`MDLTexture`](/documentation/ModelIO/MDLTexture) --- Copyright © 2026 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. | [Terms of Use](https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/terms/site.html) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.apple.com/privacy/privacy-policy)