Photoshop® CS5 Bible

Chapter 22. Creating and Manipulating 3D Objects

IN THIS CHAPTER

• Understanding 3D file formats

• Creating 3D objects

• Getting to know Repoussé

• Using 3D object tools

• Using 3D camera tools

The 3D environment in Photoshop has been a part of the extended version since CS3, but it changed dramatically in CS4, and with the ability to turn vector paths into 3D meshes with Repoussé in CS5, the ability to open, maneuver, edit, and even create 3D objects has become an important aspect of the extended version of Photoshop.

Although you can create basic 3D models and add textures to them in Photoshop, its main purpose is not to create, redesign, or even animate 3D objects or scenes. Instead, being able to work with a 3D object in Photoshop allows you to use Photoshop's powerful filters, styles, and other Paint tools to dramatically improve the way a 3D image looks and to create fantastic composites.

A 3D object is usually composed of at least two different files: the 3D object itself, which is a vector file, and the texture of the 3D object, or the file that defines what the 3D object will look like, which is a raster file. You need to understand how these files work together in the 3D environment in order to utilize the capabilities of Photoshop to change the look of a 3D object.

The Layers panel also looks different with a 3D object selected. A 3D object with a texture attached has at least one sublayer, often more than one. This chapter gives you a complete overview of how to work with 3D layers.

Understanding ...