Adobe® Creative Suite® 4 Bible

Chapter 14. Working with 3D Objects

IN THIS CHAPTER

• Using 3D in Photoshop

• Painting 3D objects

• Creating 3D objects in Illustrator

Adobe products have always focused on 2D graphics. Using special techniques, you could make 2D graphics have a 3D look, but the end result always could be printed. While the Adobe products have continued to introduce new features and more efficient workflows, a host of 3D programs have continued along the same vein.

Today several robust 3D packages are available such as Autodesk's 3ds Max and Maya, and the ability to produce 3D objects is becoming much easier. 3D objects are common in many avenues of graphical design. The ability to work with these assets defines an efficient workflow.

This chapter takes a closer look at working with 3D objects in CS4. Photoshop CS4 Extended includes a host of features for incorporating and working with 3D objects. Illustrator also includes the ability to work with basic 3D objects.

Working with 3D Objects in Photoshop

The 3D features available in Photoshop CS4 Extended include the ability to load, move, rotate, and scale 3D models. You also can paint on the surface of the 3D objects.

Loading and Exporting 3D Objects

The first step in working with 3D objects is to load the 3D objects into Photoshop. 3D objects are saved using a 3D file format that keeps track of all the vertices, edges, and faces that make up the object. These formats also keep track of other information including the object's texture, any scene lights, and animations. ...