AwesomeBump

At a glance

• Editor score
  6.6 / 10
• Pricing
  Free plan
• Best for
  Free open-source image-to-map conversion
• Free plan
  Yes
• Paid from
  Free
• Facts checked
  20 Sep 2026

• Where it wins

  • Generates normal, height, metallic, roughness, and occlusion maps
  • Creates tileable textures with linear, random, or mirror filters
  • Offers real-time 3D tessellation and preview

• Where it doesn't

  • Primarily focuses on image-based map generation
  • Does not provide verified painting, baking, or node editing
  • Binary packages target selected older Windows and Ubuntu versions

Our verdict on AwesomeBump

AwesomeBump is a free, open-source desktop application for converting source images into texture maps. It is suited to artists and technical users who need image-based PBR assets across Windows, Linux, or macOS. The software generates normal, height, specular, ambient-occlusion, metallic, and roughness maps, and can convert normal maps to height maps or height maps to normal maps. It also exports PNG, JPG, BMP, and TGA images.

Its strongest area is map generation from existing imagery. AwesomeBump can create tileable textures with linear, random, or mirror filters, apply perspective image transformations, add grunge textures, and mix bump maps. Real-time GPU-assisted processing, 3D tessellation, and preview features help users inspect the result while adjusting materials. This makes it a practical choice for preparing texture maps when the source image is the starting point rather than painting directly inside a 3D authoring workflow.

The main trade-off is scope. AwesomeBump is primarily an image-to-map converter, so it is a narrower option for users looking for verified painting, baking, node editing, or broader integrations. The official repository describes version 5.1 as a 2019 release, and current binary packages target selected older Windows and Ubuntu versions; source builds use the Qt framework. Choose AwesomeBump if free, open-source map conversion and desktop portability are the priorities. Choose another tool if the workflow depends on painting, baking, node-based material construction, or a wider production ecosystem.

Your product? Our editors can test AwesomeBump in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

AwesomeBump pricing

AwesomeBump fact sheet

Alternatives to AwesomeBump

• InstaMATA cross-platform toolkit for procedural materials, texture painting, baking, and pipeline automation.9.4
• Mixos PaintA broad, cross-platform PBR texturing workspace with a capable free tier and paid 4K export.9.2
• MariA deep texturing tool for VFX teams that need UDIM scale and procedural control.9.1

See all AwesomeBump alternatives →

Featured on iTechGuides

AwesomeBump is listed in our 3D Texturing Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/awesomebump/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/awesomebump.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update