Original Albedo texture (left) and the result of applying Gradient Removal to it (right).

The Gradient Removal node removes uniform color or value gradients from a single texture input. It works on different types of textures, including albedo, normal, and heightmaps. Depending on the texture input type (normal, grayscale, or color), the node applies a different algorithm specifically appropriate to that type.

Gradient Removal is most useful for fixing non-uniform lighting in photo-sourced images taken in uneven lighting conditions. In normal maps, you can use it to distribute the lighting strength and direction data more uniformly. In heightmaps, you can use it to make the height levels across the texture more uniform.

The strength of the gradient removal effect is controlled by the Level property.

Usage

To apply Gradient Removal to a color, normal, or heightmap texture, you can follow these steps. There is no need to do anything specific for the different texture types, as the node handles this automatically.

1. Ensure that the texture you want to remove a gradient from is on your Node Graph. If you want to use a texture which is part of a material, you can use the Split Material node to work with its individual textures, and use Compose Material after Gradient Removal to compile the material again.
2. Create a new Gradient Removal node on the Node Graph. It can be found under the Adjustments category in the Node Library.
3. Connect your input texture into the input port of Gradient Removal.
4. The Gradient Removal node executes automatically. To view the output result, bring the node into the 2D and/or 3D Viewport.
5. Adjust the Level property of this node to modify the strength of the gradient removal effect.

Category and execution

Ports

Properties