A "Normal Map" is a specific type of image where red, green, and blue channels tell a 3D program (or a lighting plugin) exactly which direction each pixel on your shape is facing.
Created by Stefan Minning, Normality is a production-proven tool used by major studios like Studio Lampion and Polygon Pictures. It works by interpreting the RGB values in a as XYZ coordinates for surface vectors. This allows After Effects’ built-in point and spot lights to interact with 2D layers as if they were true 3D objects. Key Features of Normality normality plugin after effects