Transforming 3D objects with Photoshop CS4

When we’re talking about transforming in 3D, we mean moving, scaling, and resizing 3D objects.

When you have the rotate Tool selected, you get this 3D Axis displaying on the top left of the screen. This 3D Axis is the best way to transform your 3D objects inside Photoshop.

The 3D Axis has 3 different colored arrows. The Red is X, Green is Y and Blue is Z. So another word RGB = XYZ.

Each arrow has its own smaller squares, if you click, hold and drag it. This will scale the 3D object within that axis. Next to that is the rotate tool, which allows you to rotate the 3D object for that particular axis. Finally, you have the tip of the arrow for moving or sliding the 3D object within the XYZ axis.

The 3D Axis tool allows you to move your 3D object in 3D space inside Photoshop. The 3D Axis restricts you to move and rotate in XYZ.

In the middle of the 3D Axis is this gray box, if you click and drag on it. This will scale your 3D object proportionally. 3D objects are vector base, this allow you to scale them as big or as small as you want without losing quality. However, the texture of the 3D object is rasterize and they are not vector. So the texture may lose quality if you scale the 3D object too large.

Also, if you mouse over the gray box between the X and Z, this allows you to move only in the XZ direction.

You can also use the Move Tool (v) to move the 3D object, however it is not recommended to use the Move Tool to move a 3D object inside 3D space. Try using the 3D tool, such as the Rotate 3D object, Roll the 3D object, Drag the 3D object, Slide the 3D object and Scale the 3D object tools.

Underneath that you have the camera tool, you can do the same thing as mention above but this controls the camera and not the 3D object.

If you want to reset all the 3D transformations from the starting position, all you have to do is click on the home icon that says “return to initial object position” and if you want to reset the camera settings click on the “return to initial camera position”.

This is great if you want to start all over or if you misplace the 3D object in 3D space.

Each time you reopen the .PSD file, this option will set your 3D object and camera position. For example, if you move and scale your 3D object, save it and close your .PSD file. The next time you reopen that same file and you scale the 3D object and hit the “return to initial object position”, this will bring the 3D object back when you first open the .PSD file.

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