ShaderMap vs Surface Labs

ShaderMap is a Windows application for generating rendering and physically based rendering maps from source images, 3D models, and light scan photo stacks. It bakes normal, ambient occlusion, curve, color ID, and depth maps from 3D geometry, then generates roughness and metalness maps for PBR workflows. Maps can be packed into RMA and RMAD formats. The Normal Editor supports painting and modifying normal maps with tools and layers. Batch processing handles groups of source maps through LUA scripting and project configurations. Users can send maps to an external image editor and return them after saving. A C/C++ SDK supports plugins for maps, geometry importers, and filters under the MIT License. ShaderMap works offline, although automatic updates and the support feed require internet access. The free Basic License disables PRO features and may show ads up to three times daily. Paid one-time licenses are Student 19.00 USD, Personal 29.00 USD, and Commercial 49.00 USD.

Surface Labs is a node-based application for building procedural textures and materials by connecting operations in a graph. Its node library includes generators, filters, blends, transforms, normals, channel operations, and math nodes. A GLSL editor supports custom nodes that compile to the native Rust engine; the maker says most nodes render in under 2 ms. Desktop authoring supports up to 8192 × 8192 in 32-bit float, while iPadOS and Android are capped at 4096 × 4096. A headless command-line tool can evaluate graphs and export textures for batch work and CI. The built-in MCP server lets compatible assistants inspect and edit projects, render nodes, and export textures. It is opt-in, binds to loopback, requires a generated token, and rejects non-local Origins, but file arguments can access files available to the user account rather than staying within a project directory. A portable project file bundles materials, subgraphs, images, fonts, a preview model, and export settings. Surface Labs is free while in early access; its iPad build is distributed through TestFlight, where builds expire on the usual 90-day cycle.