Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Although the 3D tools allow you to control the object directly from the work
area, you can control the object more precisely through the Properties
toolbar and the 3D-Axis tool, which is the easiest to use, and includes all the
3D control tools in one place.
In this chapter, I cover how to work with the both 2D and 3D tools to view
and edit 3D objects in Photoshop. I also cover how to use these tools directly
in the workspace, via the Properties toolbar and the 3D-Axis tools. Although
there are three locations from which you can control the 3D objects, I prefer
to start with the 3D-Axis method because it is the easiest, most eicient, and
fastest method. Furthermore, it includes access to all the 3D model
controllers in one place. But before we dig into this essential tool, I'll give you
an overview of the 3D tools in Photoshop and the concepts behind them.
An understanding of these tools will give you the basic knowledge to
animate a 3D object in Photoshop; 3D animation in Photoshop depends on
control of the 3D object and the camera position in the 3D space.
Using the 3D Object Control
As mentioned previously, the Photoshop tools can control the 3D object
in the X and Y dimensions. To change a 3D object's position, rotation, or
scale over the third axis, use the 3D control tool in the toolbar or the
3D-Axis tool.
The 3D object control tools set includes the 3D Rotate, 3D Roll, 3D Pan, 3D
Slide, and 3D Scale tools (Figure 5.1). I'll teach you how to work with each tool.
You can extend the 3D object control icons by clicking the small arrow at the
bottom right of the 3D tool or click and hold over the tool. This will extend the
icons to let you choose from the diferent available icons in the toolbar.
Shortcut: To reach the
3D object control tools,
press K.
3D Rotate Tool
The 3D Rotate tool lets you rotate the object in 3D space. Although
you can simply rotate the object by dragging your mouse over the
workspace, this is not the most accurate method. For instance, you
can get more accuracy by rotating the 3D object using speciic
values, or you can create a rotation animation for the object in the
3D space based on speciic rotation values.
However, the most accurate method for rotating an object is using
the numerical values that are at the top of the Properties bar:
1. Select the 3D Rotate tool.
2. From the top Properties bar, change the orientation X, Y, and Z
values of the object to start rotating it in any direction. For
example, change the X value to 150 to rotate the object
clockwise in the X axis 150 degrees.
Figure 5.1   The 3D object control tools.
 
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