Object & Surface ID layers

[Ma3rk]

I might have I asked something along these lines some years ago, but since there have been a number of updates, perhaps some new technique is available.

In 3D programs such as Lightwave and a others, when working with ID layers, both for objects and surfaces, and you'll see those areas as unique, solid colors.  In reality, those layers are just linear grayscale that look like alphas until you make some adjustments.

Outside of 3D apps anyway, is there a way of false coloring those or some other means to predictably make selections?  In something like Quixel Mixer for example, you can actually toggle those & make selections which is pretty much what those maps are for, and I'm wanting to find a similar quick & simple means of doing that in AP.

Thanks.

Edited August 16, 2021 by Ma3rk
mispelling

[firstdefence]

Hi @Ma3rk

Do you have a sample file we can tinker with to see if we can work something out.

[Ma3rk]

Certainly.  I'll put a packet together later today.

[Ma3rk]

Hmmm. What's the max size attachment the forum can handle? Or, what all do you need to test?  Even re-rendering to 800x600, the zip is over 6 megs, the most being the final render.  These are EXR files. the ID layers are tiny however.