Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
In this lesson, you have been introduced to the basic 3D functionality in Photoshop CC. While you cre-
ated 3D objects directly in Photoshop from preset meshes and 2D layers, there is an opportunity to lever-
age more advanced 3D meshes from other applications. Photoshop CC can import and export a variety of
3D file formats.
Working with custom meshes
You can create a new 3D layer from an externally generated file by choosing 3D > New 3D Layer from
File and then choosing the file in the Open dialog box. You can export similar file formats by right-click-
ing a 3D layer and selecting Export 3D Layer. Some of the file formats available for import and export
are:
•
Collada files
(.dae file extension) use an open standard XML file format that you can use in a wide
variety of 3D applications and game engines. Collada files can contain information on meshes, texture
(UV) coordinates, materials, and even animation.
•
Stereolithography files
(.stl extension) are used in 3D printing, and can be generated from computer-
aided design (CAD) models. These files don't support materials, texture coordinates, or animation.
•
WavefrontOBJ files
(.obj extension) are another file format that supports mesh topology, texture co-
ordinates, and support for materials and texture maps when an accompanying .mtl file is provided.
Working with models imported from external 3D applications allows you to render 3D objects that are
very complex and customized, and can save you a lot of time in production. For example, if STL files
were created to 3D-print a prototype for a new product, you could import that same STL file into Pho-
toshop and use it to render a 2D image of the product. In Photoshop, you could then adjust the materials
and lighting as needed.
Downloading external 3D content
Just as 2D design has stock photography, 3D design has resources available to buy 3D content from third-
party providers. From meshes to textures to customized lighting setups, there are many resources avail-
able online when looking for 3D assets. Some include:
When browsing for 3D content online, remember to look for assets that are available in the file formats
that Photoshop can import. There is a wide variety of 3D assets available online, including animals, elec-
tronics, buildings and furnishings, vehicles, human characters, and much more. These assets and Pho-
toshop's 3D capabilities make it easier than ever to bring 3D into your image editing workflows.
Self study
One of the typical end uses of 3D content is to composite a rendered image into an existing image, mak-
ing it appear as though your 3D model is part of the scene shown in the original image. The challenges to
making a convincing composite are numerous, but much of the effort is spent trying to match 3D lights
and shadows to the lighting shown in the image. Try taking a 3D object and compositing it into a back-
ground image, and see how seamlessly you can blend the two images.
