Turn 2D objects and text into 3D with Photoshop

By adding depth and conveying movement, you can better communicate the layout of architecture and interior design, the concept of new products, packaging and branding, or even trade show presentations. And since you can see them come to life earlier in the process, working in 3D imaging will save time and money when revealing flaws and improvement opportunities.

Building in 3D is as easy as taking a 2D layer and adding 3D properties, then converting it to a 3D space. Once you’re there, you’ve got options to change render settings, add lighting, and merge it with other 3D layers.

Whether you want to see what the prototype completion, presentation booth, or product packaging will actually look like, Photoshop can take you there. Here, we’ll get you started by showing you how to turn 2D text into 3D. Try it out with our steps below.

1. Create a new file with the text you’d like to turn into a 3D image.

You can choose any font and size.

2. Now, turn it into a 3D object.

Click on Window in the main menu, select 3D, and a dialog box will open. This allows you to take any layer and turn it into 3D. Your design can be a flat plane—or it can be extruded, turned into a mesh or a basic shape. For this example, we’re going to extrude the text “Create.”

Click Create (the menu option) and the 3D tab will appear like a new Layers panel.

3. Change the camera angle.

Select the text, place your cursor over it, and move the mouse—the text will rotate with the mouse. Select Current View and the same action will change the camera angle.

4. Change the shadow.

Select Infinite Light 1 or the light source, and the same mouse action changes the shadow. You can show the light source by clicking View in the main menu, then Show and 3D Lights.

5. Change the light source and shadow angle.

Changing the location of the light source will change the direction of the shadow. You’ll see the source button above the canvas area in the top third of the frame. (In this image, it’s the white dot above the canvas area.)

6. Change the image position.

You can move and roll over the 3D text by reselecting its layer (in this example, it’s named “Create”) and changing its position. The text will appear inside a 3D box as you’re moving it.

And there you have it: your 2D text has now been turned into a 3D image in minutes. Whether for your next prototype or branding project, 3D imaging will give your team and users a clear and strong impression of the final product.

Learn more.

This is just one way to use the 3D options available in Photoshop. Next, check out how to print 3D using Photoshop and bring the objects you design into the real world.

If you’re getting ready to dive deeper into a 3D rendering, prototyping, or concept mockup project, be sure to check out Adobe Dimension, a brand new 3D app from Adobe that’s included with your Creative Cloud subscription. With the ability to add texture, materials, lighting, and settings elements to 3D models, Adobe Dimension brings 3D techniques into your creative process without requiring 3D expertise. And with Dimension’s Render Preview window, you can see the final render and edit as you go, allowing you to create more freely.

Share this how-to with your team to let them know what’s possible. And when a strong visualization is the key factor in getting your project idea across, and try designing it in 3D.

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