Here we will learn the numerous ways you can create a 3D object and some things to be aware of to avoid those frustrating "gotcha" moments.

In addition to creating numerous types of 3D object, Photoshop can also import 3D objects created in other 3D applications. In this lesson you will learn how to import these objects and use them in your designs.

With 3D being such a new thing in a 2D application you must employ some different thought processes when going into that 3rd dimension. If you are brand new to 3D or even 3D in Photoshop then you will want to watch this lesson.

These will be the two most important panels when editing 3D. These are basically the nerve center of 3D in Photoshop. Get to know them well. You will use them a lot!

Extrusion is the default action when you create a 3D object. It extends the converted image into the third dimension but more than just extruding the shape, you can do so much more. Watch and see.

Finally designers can rejoice the fact that easily editable 3D text is now a reality in Photoshop. As a designer this feature alone is worth it's weight but once you see what else you can do with it you will wonder how you ever lived without it.

Another technique for creating a 3D shape is called revolving or lathing. This involves bending an object around until it wraps around and closes the shape. In Photoshop this starts with an extrusion. Then there is a little trick to it. Check it out!

Now that we have shadows and reflections available on the ground plane there is less reason to merge 3D objects. However if you still want two or more objects to interact with shadows and reflections then you will need to merge them into a single 3d layer.

Now with the shapes created it is time to dress them up with textures. Over the next two lesson we will cover other surface properties like reflections and bump maps and how to tweak them to get the best look.

Continuing with texture and surface properties

Just like in photography, lighting is very important! It can make or break your 3D art just like it can a photos. Although, the virtual world, you have much more control over the behavior of light and what light properties effect your 3d objects.

In addition to the lights we discussed in the last lesson we will also discuss something called an Image Based Light. These are really cool but can be a bit tricky.

Here we will take what we know and put together a quick project. One reason is to basically summarize what we have covered up to this point but also to demonstrate how quickly you can create compelling 3D in a matter of minutes.

Hope you enjoyed the course and learned a lot.