Want to listen instead of read? Just watch this video tutorial. (35 mb)

A look at Photoshop's 3D.

In Photoshop's 3D menu, there are commands to manipulate objects in 3D space. Unfortunately, Photoshop is not able to create realistic 3D objects. Let's look at what we can do.

Let's start with Photoshop's Text tool:

Photoshop: Text without depth.

Photoshop has the 'New 3D Postcard From Layer' command. This lets you rotate a thin postcard in 3D space. However, there is no depth to this object. You are adjusting the camera perspective but not creating 3D geometry for the text. You also cannot edit the text once it's turned into a 3D object.

Photoshop: Shape from layer.

Another Photoshop 3D command is 'New Shape From Layer'. This lets you choose one of the 3D primitives and wrap your image or text around that geometry. For instance, you can wrap a label around a soda can. But you can't create a 3D logo or a custom 3D image.

Photoshop: No custom options.

Photoshop also has the 'New Mesh From Grayscale' command. This lets you create a 3D image from a luminance value. Black makes an area flat, white values create an extrusion. This method is limited in shape, has a lot of jaggies, and doesn't have any options for stylizing the extrude.

A look at 3D Invigorator.

3D Invigorator gives you a full 3D environment. This Photoshop plugin is designed specifically for making text logos and working with vector objects from Adobe Illustrator.

Let's start with Invigorator's Text tool:

Invigorator: Text with depth.

By default, 3D Invigorator creates a really nice extruded chunk of text. It is very easy to manipulate and design the text. You can rotate around the text, reposition it, adjust the depth, create different sized bevels and line thickness. You can also edit and retype the text at any time.

Invigorator: Shape with design.

It's easy to create a 3D logo in Invigorator. The plugin lets you create many kinds of shapes. Choose a simple geometric 'primitive' or import a complex vector object from an Illustraotr file. With the 3D transform tools, you can position, rotate and extrude the logo elements. Then use Object Smoothness to decide the render quality.

Invigorator: Customize the logo.

Once you create the 3D logo, Invigorator has lots of options to change it around. You can change the bevels or redesign the side of the object. Stack and layer the bevels so they're fancy looking. There are many pre-made materials, like a gold texture, and you can also change the color and transparency. Go into the Object Styles and make those materials more complex. There's really no limit to Invigorator's 3D options.