Surface Set Map

Overview

Replaces maps inside a Surface with only the connected images. Unconnected maps retain their original Surface contents.

For example, process only the emission and height maps in separate nodes and write them back while preserving the original visible color and roughness. To replace only one map, connect only that input.

Every replacement image must match the size of the original Surface.

Usage tips

• The basic pattern is a round trip with surface_unpack: extract → process with image nodes → write back with Set Map. This makes the full library of existing image filters available for Surface contents.
• Only connected inputs are replaced, so connect just the maps you intend to modify. This makes partial updates safe.
• After replacing height, also use surface_rebuild_normal to keep normals consistent.

Related nodes

• surface_unpack — extracts maps
• surface_rebuild_normal — restores consistency after replacing height
• surface_id_mask — helps create a map for only selected parts
• noise_generate / height_from_image — sources for inserted maps

Examples

• Extract emission with Surface Unpack, brighten it with Levels, then write it back through emission_map.
• Connect a noise image to height_map and review the floor with relief under lighting.
• Connect a hand-drawn grayscale map to roughness_map so only metal areas produce sharp highlights.
• To preserve the visible appearance, leave albedo disconnected and connect only the required maps.