If I set Houdini to ACES color space and I want to use a normal map, how do I indicate to Houdini not to convert it to ACES color space? As I understand it, normal maps should not be converted for them to work properly, but if it has a .png extension I assume Houdini will convert it.

If I use a displacement map in RAW (linear) format, will Houdini recognise not to convert it? Is this based on its file extension, e.g. should I use .tiff file extension to indicate it is linear and not to be altered? Or is there a partucluar file type I should use?

You can set your image node to vector instead of color. Then no conversion will happen.

Thanks for your reply Heileif.

I am just learning Karma, so I am not sure where you set image node to vector. Do you mean a MaterialX node if using Solaris, not a Principled Shader? I am more familiar with the Mantra workflow.