Texturing & materials · Intermediate

Displacement map

A texture that really moves the surface, changing its shape and outline

What is a displacement map?

A displacement map is a texture that physically moves a model’s surface, pushing points out or in by the brightness of each pixel. Because it changes the real shape, the outline and shadows change too, which bump and normal maps cannot do.

Think of it like this

It is like pressing a hand into wet clay: the surface really changes shape, so it casts real shadows and has a real edge.

Where it fits in a 3D project

  1. Create
  2. Surface
  3. Rig
  4. Animate
  5. Render
  6. Export

Surface: Giving the shape its color and material: UVs, textures and shaders.

Base colorNormalRoughnessMetallicHeightMaterial
The height map is one of several texture maps a material combines.

How a displacement map works

  1. 01The mesh is subdivided so it has enough points to move.
  2. 02Each point looks up its pixel in the displacement map.
  3. 03The point is pushed along its normal by an amount set by brightness and strength.
  4. 04The new surface is lit and shadowed like modeled detail.

Displacement map vs normal map

PropertyDisplacement mapNormal map
Changes the shapeYesNo, only the lighting
OutlineBumpy, a true silhouetteStays smooth
CostHeavy, needs many polygonsLight
Best forClose-ups, terrain, large detailFine detail and games

Use displacement when detail must stick out of the silhouette; use a normal map for everything smaller, especially in real time.

Where a displacement map is used

  • Rocky ground, cobblestones and bark in close-up renders
  • Turning a flat plane into detailed terrain
  • Film and product shots where edges show in profile

Beginner tip

Start with a normal map and add displacement only where the silhouette matters. Many renders combine both: displacement for big shapes, a normal map for fine detail.

Terms related to a displacement map

Displacement map FAQ

Why does displacement need subdivision?
A displacement map can only move points that exist. A flat plane with four corners has almost nothing to push, so the mesh needs many small faces, from subdivision or dense modeling, before the detail appears.
What is vector displacement?
A version that stores a full direction in color instead of a single height. It can push the surface sideways as well as up, so it can form overhangs, like a curled horn or an ear, that plain displacement cannot.
Does a displacement map work in games?
Sometimes, through tessellation, but it is costly. Most games use normal maps and parallax effects instead and keep true displacement for offline renders.

Updated October 29, 2026 · Browse all 3D terms