How to create static 3D images and verbs from 2D images in Photoshop

Photoshop can create a series of basic 3D shapes using 2D layers as a starting point. After creating a 3D object, you can move it into the 3D space, change the rendering configuration, add lighting or merge it with other 3D layers.

Instructions for creating 3D images from 2D images

• Convert 2D layer into 3D postcard. If you start the layer with a text, the transparency is kept.
• Wrap 2D layers around 3D objects such as cones, cubes, or cylinders.
• Create 3D mesh from grayscale images in 2D images.
• Simulate a metalworking technique called repoussé by casting a 2D object in 3D space.
• Construct a 3D cube from a multi-frame file such as the DICOM medical imaging file. Photoshop combines each piece of the file into a 3D object. You can control it in three dimensions and view any desired angle. You can apply various 3D building effects to optimize the display of materials when scanning, such as bone or soft tissue.

Create 3D postcard

Note : You can add a 3D postcard to an existing 3D scene to create a surface that displays shadows and reflections from other objects in the scene.

1. Open the 2D image and select the layer to convert to a postcard.

2. Select 3D> New 3D Postcard From Layer .

• Convert 2D to 3D layers in the Layers panel . 2D layer content as a material for both sides of the postcard.
• The original 2D layer appears in the Layer panel as the Diffuse texture map for the 3D postcard object.
• The 3D layer retains the size of the original 2D image.

3. To add a 3D postcard as the plane of the 3D scene, merge the new 3D layer with the existing 3D layer containing other 3D objects, then align it as needed.

4. To retain new 3D content, export the 3D layer as a 3D file format or save it as a PSD file.

Create 3D shapes

Depending on the type of object you choose, the 3D model may contain one or more meshes. The Spherical Panorama option maps the panoramic image into a 3D sphere.

1. Open the 2D image and select the layer you want to convert to 3D.

2. Choose 3D> New Shape From Layer , and choose a shape from the menu. Shapes include single mesh objects such as donuts, spheres, hats and many other mesh objects such as cones, cubes, cylinders, soda cans, or wine bottles.

Note : You can add your own custom shapes to the Shape menu. Shapes are Collada (.dae) 3D model files. To add a shape, place the file in the Presets \ Meshes inside the Photoshop folder.

• Convert the 2D layer to 3D in the Layers panel.
• The original 2D layer appears in the Layers panel as a Diffuse texture map. It can be used on one or more 3D object surfaces. Other surfaces can be attached to the Diffuse Texture map with the default color setting.

3. Use the Spherical Panorama option if using panoramic photos as a 2D input. This option converts a 360-degree image into a 3D layer. After converting to a 3D object, you can paint on difficult-to-reach panoramic areas such as poles or lines.

4. Export 3D layer as 3D file format or save in PSD format to retain new 3D content.

Create a 3D mesh object (3D Mesh)

New Mesh from the Grayscale command converts a grayscale image into a depth map that translates brightness values ​​into surfaces of different depths. Lower values ​​create areas that rise above the surface, higher values ​​create lower areas. Photoshop then applies the Depth Map to one of the four possible geometries to create a 3D model.

1. Open a 2D image and select one or more layers to convert into a 3D mesh.

2. (Optional) Convert the image to Grayscale mode ( Image> Mode> Grayscale or Image> Adjustments> Black & White to adjust the grayscale conversion mode).

Note : If importing RGB images when creating Mesh, blue channel is used to create depth map.

3. (Optional) Edit Grayscale images as needed to limit the light value.

4. Select 3D> New Mesh From Grayscale , then select a desired Mesh.

• Plane : Apply depth mapping data to a flat surface.
• Two-Sided Plane : Create two reflective planes along the center axis and apply the Depth Map on both planes.
• Cylinder : Apply Depth Map outside the vertical axis center.
• Sphere : Apply Depth Map data outside the center

Photoshop creates a 3D layer containing the new Mesh. It also creates Diffuse, Opacity and Planar Depth Map texture maps for 3D objects, using Grayscale or the original color layer.

You can reopen the Planar Depth Map as a Smart Object at any time and edit it. When saved, the Mesh will be regenerated.

Note :

The Opacity texture map does not appear in the Layers panel, because that map uses the same texture file as the Diffuse map (the original 2D layer). When two structure maps refer to the same file, the file will only appear once in the Layer panel.

Create 3D animations

Using the Photoshop Animation timeline , you can create 3D animations in space and change its appearance over time. You can apply effects to any of the following properties of a 3D layer:

• 3D objects or camera positions : Use 3D positions or camera tools to move 3D models or cameras over time. Photoshop can morph frames between positions or camera movements to create smooth motion effects.
• 3D display settings: Change rendering mode, with the ability to switch morphing between several render modes. For example, change Vertices mode gradually to Wireframe over time, to simulate a sketch of the model structure.
• 3D section : Rotate an intersecting section to show a section that changes over time. Change the cross-section settings between frames to highlight different model areas.

For high quality animation, you can build each animation frame by using Render for the Final Output render settings .

Hope this article is helpful to you!