Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Controlling the 3D models is diferent than controlling the 2D objects that
we used to work with inside Photoshop, because the 3D models have X, Y,
and Z dimension information, such as the diferent sides of the models,
including the hidden sides. However, the 3D tools let you control or edit the
model based on this information. For example, you can rotate the model to
reveal the hidden sides of the model in the 3D space.
In this chapter, we will start by introducing the 3D objects that you can
import to Photoshop from external resources. In the following chapters, we
will cover how to work with these 3D models using the comprehensive 3D
tools and commands. We will also cover the DICOM medical iles that are
produced by medical devices and can be imported into Photoshop.
Photoshop can read the frames inside these iles and convert them to 3D
volume images.
3D File Formats
Importing the external 3D iles is easy using the New Layer from 3D File
command in the 3D top menu. This command imports the 3D ile in any of
the previously mentioned formats.
When you import the 3D ile, Photoshop adds it in a new 3D layer. This layer
allows you to control the 3D models using the 3D control tools in Photoshop.
These tools enable you to move, rotate, scale, and pan 3D objects in the 3D
space. Let's start with an overview of each format and its properties.
3DS
This is one of the most common and oldest 3D formats, created by Autodesk.
Although it works across many 3D applications that allow you to export your
iles in the 3DS format, it cannot be edited directly and is not the preferred
format for importing into Photoshop. Although you can import 3D models to
Photoshop using this format, Photoshop does not provide a method to
export the 3D content to this format.
OBJ
Similar to the 3DS format, the OBJ format is a simple 3D format that can be
exported from diferent 3D applications and allows you to export the object
with a small ile size. You can use this format for both importing 3D iles and
exporting the 3D iles from Photoshop. Although you can directly edit this
format, it does not support animation, lights, or cameras.
DAE
The Collada ile format or DAE is one of the most important 3D ile exchange
ile formats because it is used to import and export 3D models in Photoshop.
