How to move object around like it's a 3D object

[yumiifmb]

I'm sorry in advance for not expressing this very well.

Here's my image:

I'd like to move/transform the web layer (top layer) in such a way that, the core is pointing away from the viewer. I want to twist the form in a way that it creates a dome over the background.

I know of perspective wrap and puppet wrap, but neither of these tools seem to work. It's usually impossible to create a point exactly where I want it (the center), and even if you can do it, it's impossible to pull away from the viewer like the image is a 3D object.

What tool can I use to create the desired effect, and do I need to do this outside of photoshop? Thing is, it's such a simple manipulation I thought I'd be able to figure it out in Photoshop. Any help? Thank you in advance.

[Semaphoric]

I get the idea you want a 3D sphere of the web, and spin it around 360°? Exchanging the "North" pole with "South" pole would look the same, as it does on a world globe.

Could you provide a sketch of what you are looking to do?

[yumiifmb]

Not really, it'd probably require drawing it and I'm not very good at that. The only way I could show the result is by achieving it.

I would like the web to be less flat essentially and have depth away from the viewer, as in pointing towards the sky. A sphere sounds accurate.

When using the perspective wrap tool for instance, you can use the points to pull left, right, up, down, but not forward/backward like a proper 3D object. I'd like to pull the center of the web backward, towards the back.

[Semaphoric]

Maybe make the web lines thinner and fainter near the center, as a depth cue.

[yumiifmb]

No. This is a workaround. Is there a way to move this thing around like a 3D object? if not with photoshop then with another Adobe software?

[Conrad_C · Accepted solution]

Is the example below anywhere close to what you want? The center is pushed away, with the visual cues being that the concentric web lines become closer together toward the center, implying increased distance. If this looks OK, it was created by applying Filter > Distort > Pinch at +100. (Forgive my crudely drawn web, I drew it very quickly. Like I don’t know why that one ellipse is bolder than the rest.)

Another approach might be to design a regular grid with the necessary “perspective” spacing you need, then use Filter > Distort > Polar Coordinates to project that on a sphere shape, then elongate the result into an ellipse that fits your rectangle.

I know you keep asking about 3D in Photoshop, but unfortunately, right now 3D is kind of in an unstable state of flux in Photoshop. For many years Photoshop has had an entire 3D menu, but the code it was based on is so old (not supporting modern hardware) that it’s being ripped out. A full replacement is not available yet, and Adobe is pointing people toward the new Substance 3D suite which provides far more advanced and up to date control over 3D. However, Substance 3D is extra cost, and a bit over the top for a simple effect like this.

If none of the Warp or Filter options are what you need, then if you are already familiar with a good 3D application, for now it would be far better to pre-process the web image in that, and bring the result into Photoshop.

[yumiifmb]

Thank you, this is the sort of thing I was looking for!