Troy messaged me about this thread and filled me in on more details. To better answer your original question:
Since “Normal Maps” are “Non Color” data, I expect them to be kept linear when saving. What does “Linear Color Space” mean and how can I ensure that it doesn’t get any gamma conversion when being saved?
He said:
Normal maps should *not* be linear, as it implies linear *colour*. They should be flagged as data! They do not represent colours, but rather data.
And to answer the second part of the question, when OCIO finds a data transform, under V1, it keeps the buffer out of the management chain entirely. On the other hand, if it were set to “Linear Colour”, it would assume the ratios in the buffer are in fact light / reflectance colour ratios, and in fact keep them *in* the management chain. Hope that helps with some clarity.
Always ask yourself “Does this buffer indicate an emission or a reflectance?” If your answer is “No”, non color data is imperative to set.
Does that help answer the above question?
