Dimension to Photoshop workflow

[paulwieczorek]

Hi,

in the welcoming video (when launching Dimension) a tutor shows You can export a model from Dimension to .PSD file and then open it in Photoshop. Also, she says You can then change the colors of Your model with no need to get back to Dimension. All that sound great but... is there any tutorial showing how to do it?

Dimension's .PSD has Render layer and three additional layers - material selection mask, object selection mask and depth selection mask. I was more than sure when You open the rendered .PSD layer You will be easly able to use the model as a 3D model. Also, I was more than sure I can then send it to After Effects and animate it there. If not, what's the purpose of creating such app?

Regards,

Paul

[Ussnorway · Accepted solution]

you misunderstood

Dimension doesn't export the model to Photoshop

the 3 extra layers is for post rendor adjustment and not something you turn into a 3d model

you can make 3d models (obj | wavefront) in Photoshop that you send to After Effects or Dimension

[paulwieczorek]

Thank You for the answer. I still dont know how to use those three layers though...

As far as I understand, Adobe made Dimension app which can do the same as Photoshop could years ago? For what? Is there any better rendering engine in Dimension? The UI is nice but let get things straight:

1. You cant create Your own models

2. You cant create Your own materials

3. You cant export a 3D model You made of the ones Adobe gives You

4. You cant even color Your model with gradient

5. Rendering takes ages because it’s Vray

What’s the purpose of this app?

[Ussnorway]

1. you can in Photoshop but not in Dimension... both can import obj models
2. correct... I assume that will change at some latter point
3. correct... at least for now
4. you can colour with a gradient
5. my fastest rendor is 8 mins and my longest so far is 5 hours... all on High

I don't work for Adobe but it looks like a pitch at selling 3d to add makers... I'm liking it so far

[paulwieczorek]

How do You color with gradient, Ussnorway​? o.O

[JeanetteMathews]

Hey there!  So Dimension is really targeting making high quality 3D graphic rendering and compositing easier for users without 3D knowledge.  It's geared primarily for designers who want to mockup logos and packaging concepts, test out visualizations of spaces, or generate product shots for marketing and advertisement materials.

What Dimension has that is difficult in other applications

• Out of the box realistic materials
• Easy application of graphics with Decals
• High quality rendering built in with no additional cost or setup
• Match Image technology to auto-composite 3D content with a 2D background image

In the future we'll be adding more around creation and customization of models, vector and text workflows, customizing and saving materials, animation and 3D exports for VR/AR and much more.

To directly answer your points:

1. You cant create Your own models

For our first release we're not focusing on building new 3D content because there are already a lot of modeling applications out there for a wide variety of use cases (sculpting, architecture, product, character, etc.).  Modeling is a pretty complex topic and while we do plan on adding some creation elements, we don't currently want to spend our time recreating things that exist.

2. You cant create Your own materials

Semi-correct.  All of our materials are presets but you can edit them fully.  You're more than welcome to load in your own textures and change the settings to create fully custom materials.  However you can't currently SAVE materials for use within multiple documents.  This is something we plan on adding.

3. You cant export a 3D model You made of the ones Adobe gives You

Correct.  At the moment Dimension is a rendering and compositing tool so there is no export, but it's something we can certainly add in the future.  I'd love to hear your thoughts on what export you want, where you want to take it, and why.

4. You cant even color Your model with gradient

We don't have any local 'gradient' coloring methods, that's true.  You can create a gradient image and load it into your texture if you'd like, but this is something we can certainly add for the future.

5. Rendering takes ages because it’s Vray

Rendering is highly reliant on many factors including your hardware, resolution, materials used, and render quality settings.  VRay is an industry standard for high quality photorealistic renders but if you need something faster try lowering the quality setting or reducing the resolution.  We're always working on improving the performance!

[Aliveartworks85]

Can we create materials using adobe capture and also can we export .psd files to adobe dimension for product packaging mockups?

[Ussnorway]

Aliveartworks85  wrote

Can we create materials using adobe capture

you can make a texture ... a material is a little different and you can not save that yet but you can edit one to be different if you want

Aliveartworks85  wrote

can we export .psd files to adobe dimension for product packaging mockups?

you can save a Photoshop PSD file to your cc library and Dimension can use that image to make backgrounds or lighting for your 3d model but it can't open a psd file no

however Dimension can export the rendor as a PSD file that you then open | edit in Photoshop

[Aliveartworks85]

Thanks for your help

[JeanetteMathews]

Just to clarify Ussnorway​'s comment is actually a little incorrect.

Adobe Capture CC does have a material capture feature!  It will capture from your phone camera and generate multiple images including the texture, the bumpiness (normal map) and has sliders for controlling roughness and metallic.  We plan to enhance the material capture feature in the next release as well.