which app can I use to create 3D from cross-sections?

[keystrike]

In PS (latest version) on macOS I have a number of cross-sections, each in a different layer. For a very simple example, a set of wiggly closed loops, of successively larger diameter and thickness. How can I create a 3D object - for example, a weird cylinder - from them?  Essentially, which Adobe app should I use?

[c.pfaffenbichler]

If an Adobe application can do this I would supsect it would be Substance 3D Modeler … though as a Mac user I am not sure because that application has not been released for Mac. (Make of that what you will.) 

But I would expect freeware like Blender could handle the task if the lines are vector data. 

@davescm , please forgive the intrusion, could you offer a recommendation? 

[jane-e]

@keystrike 

3D has been removed from Photoshop because it was not compatible with newer operating systems. The PS team has kindly kept PS 22.2 in the CC app. It's the last version with stable 3D. You can install multiple versions of Photoshop. On Mac OS you can even run them concurrently.

Details here:

https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/kb/3d-faq.html

As @c.pfaffenbichler said, when our 3D expert @davescm chimes in, he will be able to give you the best recommendation.

Jane

[keystrike]

jane-e: I cannot find the URL where I can install PS22.2. According to the "details" you reference, PS22.2 " will remain accessible to you in the Creative Cloud Desktop application for installation for up to two years from August 2021". Since it is now 2024, this appears to mean PS22.2 is no longer available.

[Ged_Traynor]

@keystrike it's still available in the Creative Cloud app

[keystrike]

Got it. Thanks.

[keystrike]

Indeed, 3D Modeler seems not to be available. (I am alsoMac user.) I would like to know how you know Designer might be able to do what I want. Only the hype appears to be available on Adobe websites.

[jane-e]

@keystrike 

Unfortunately, that is correct.
https://helpx.adobe.com/substance-3d-modeler/getting-started/system-requirements.html

"macOS Not supported."

Jane

[davescm]

There are two ways of approaching this.

1. You could use a 3D application such as Blender 3D to create a mesh, using your images as a guide. 

2. You could shade each layer to represent height, darkest at the bottom and lightest at the top, then use the resulting image as a height map to drive displacement on a flat  3D mesh. Again this would need a 3D application such as Blender 3D to implement it.

Dave

[keystrike]

Thank you. I will try Blender.

[keystrike]

I think I can do  some of what 22.2 can do in "sketchup"  (not free but not expensive), though I don't know everything that 22.2 can do. In sketchup, I can import png images, place them as "textures" on stacked rectangles and then rotate and zoom for any 3D view. This is not a full 3D volume, but it's a start. I could actually do a lot more, but with a HUGE amount of effort.