How to Open and Edit Google 3D Models in Adobe Photoshop

The latest Photoshop CS4 comes with an outstanding image editor.  The CS4 marks the Photoshop’s entry into the third dimension.  For those appetent to edit 3D models on 2D layers here’s your call.  Apart from the .3DS and many other 3D model formats, new version Photoshop supports Google’s .KMZ used in Google Earth buildings and an assortment of other objects. It’s your turn to learn how to go about it.

The .KMZ Google Earth files are available for free to download. To edit these files you can use the SketchUp version 7.

Let’s see how you can work with the new CS4 on the 3D models.

Step 1

To begin with, download a model say a Bugatti Veyron and open the on in SketchUp. Convert it into a file format compatible for Photoshop.

Step 2

Open the Bugatti model file. Go to the File menu in SketchUp and choose the Export, and select the 3D Model.
In case no other pro-3D modelling software is installed on your system, select the Export format type Google Earth (*.KMZ). After exporting the model quit the SketchUp.

Step 3

Now create a new document of 1000 x 1000 pixels at 72 pixels per inch in the Photoshop CS4. Choose the background as transparent. Give a suitable name to it and press Return.

Step 4

Click on the ‘F’ key to see the blank document in Full Screen. Select the ⌘ and NumPad 0 key to view the maximum size that is scaled to fit the screen.

Step 5

Choose a new layer from the 3D menu and open the Bugatti Veyron model in .KMZ format. Rendering of the model begins. Using the new 3D tools you can pan and rotate the model. Better use the shortkeys K to pan and N to rotate.

Step 6

From the Windows menu and open the 3D Tools Pallet. Now its your job, view, rotate and shade the model whichever way you need, given the Preset options in the 3D Tool Pallet. From the Preset mPhotoshopenu you get the list of different display render settings. If you are looking for faster manipulation then the Solid would be a good option. In case you have a faster graphics processor Ray Traced should be your option.

The new CS4 version includes a number of new editing options in both Layers and 3D pallet. Further you have a new Adjustment panel instead of conventional adjustment layer. You can use it for 3D objects as well. Alter the Levels, Curves, Saturation, Vibrancy, Channels, Color Balance and great deal of image control options.

Step 7

Select the background layer 1 and fill it with black. Re-select it with the 3D model layer. Select the Scene from the 3D pallet. At the bottom of the 3D tool pallet, click on the icon Create New Light. It offers you the you the option of New Spot Light, choose it.

Step 8

To select where the new spot light will appear on the scene, go to the 3D pallet and hit the Move to current view button, then to the ‘Softness’, ‘Hotspot’ and ‘Falloff’ controls.

Step 9

Use the Toggle Lights at the bottom of 3D pallet to display the wire mesh outline of the lights in the scene. Next pull out the scene using the 3D Pan View Tool, use the shortcut key N. Now you can set the new spot light to a suitable position using the three ‘Slide’, ‘Drag’ and ‘Rotate’ buttons on the 3D pallet, else use the 3D slide tool.

Step 10

Finally, if you are done with your maneuverings on the 3D model layer, move to the 3D menu and select the Rasterize option. The model will become like any other 2D layer in Photoshop. This is a great bonus when you are working with large documents that engage larger part of RAM.

Now that you have got the 3D object without fattening its time to save the final scene. For that select the 3D layers and choose the Render for final Output in the 3D menu.  The time of rendering will depend on your Render Settings.

Further you can edit and save the model for extra lightning or textures by choosing Export 3D layer. This will give you a unique experience, as if you are working on 2D layers with a 3D objects.

So you are done with the process. Did it work for you? Write to us.

[Source: commandshiftq.com]