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jessicah88808303
Participant
August 21, 2017
Answered

Export 2D artwork to a .dae file

  • August 21, 2017
  • 3 replies
  • 3201 views

Hello,

I need to create 3D models out of some 2D artwork in photoshop. I don't want to change the artwork to look 3D, I just need to export each graphic as a .dae file so that it can be displayed at different depths in an app.

Here is an example of what I mean - 2D artwork in 3D models:

https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/childrens-responsive-ichef-live/r/720/1x/cbeebies/goldilocks_and_the_three_bears_story_time.jpg

I have a decent knowledge of Photoshop but never used the 3D feature. I also don't want any lighting etc added so it still looks like flat artwork.

I've clicked on the layer and done 3D > New Mesh from Layer > Postcard

Then 3D > Export Layer

But either the file disappears. Or the file is non readable. Also i lose any transparency.

Any help gratefully received!!!

Thank you!!

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer davescm

    Jessica

    I've just taken a look at the example you gave and that could be produced purely in 2D - without using any 3D modelling.

    However - if for whatever reason you have been asked for your output in the collada format :

    When you export you need to ensure that the textures box is checked. In Photoshop it should be checked by default - but may have been unchecked. You also need to choose a format for the texture that your 3D programme (or in your case the app) will read, by default it will be saved as a PSD file, but you may have more success with PNG or TIFF.  If you don't then you will not see the texture.

    If your app. is not happy with the textured plane, then do what I suggested in post 1 and make the shapes into an extrusion with minimal depth and export that. Again though you have to export with the texture.

    Dave

    3 replies

    J
    jessicah88808303Author
    Participant
    August 22, 2017

    Thanks Dave you rock. That's just the detail I need. I will try this tonight and let you know.

    Mylenium
    Mylenium
    Legend
    August 22, 2017

    I've clicked on the layer and done 3D > New Mesh from Layer > Postcard

    Then 3D > Export Layer

    But either the file disappears. Or the file is non readable. Also i lose any transparency.

    Postcards are just textured planes. Without actually exporting the textures and assigning them to the Collada file, nothing will happen. You have a wrong understanding of these things and your workflow seems unsuitable. That's like trying to build a house beginning with the roof. It might be a good idea to actualyl do some reading about basic principles of 3D. In order to produce usable contours, your artwork has to be paths which can be extruded. Otherwise you are simply wasting your time. Flat trextures are just images and whatever authoring app you use can just slump them on its own internal plane primitives. In that case you simply don't need PS 3D.

    Mylenium

    J
    jessicah88808303Author
    Participant
    August 22, 2017

    Hi mylenium,

    Thanks for the reply. The images are being used for an app, so they won't

    be used in another 3D piece of software unfortunately.

    I only have photoshop but from what I understand it is possible for me to

    export what I need (a flat image on a 3D plane). I just can't figure out

    how.

    Are you saying it's not possible to do it in PS?

    Thanks

    davescm
    Community Expert
    davescmCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    August 22, 2017

    Jessica

    I've just taken a look at the example you gave and that could be produced purely in 2D - without using any 3D modelling.

    However - if for whatever reason you have been asked for your output in the collada format :

    When you export you need to ensure that the textures box is checked. In Photoshop it should be checked by default - but may have been unchecked. You also need to choose a format for the texture that your 3D programme (or in your case the app) will read, by default it will be saved as a PSD file, but you may have more success with PNG or TIFF.  If you don't then you will not see the texture.

    If your app. is not happy with the textured plane, then do what I suggested in post 1 and make the shapes into an extrusion with minimal depth and export that. Again though you have to export with the texture.

    Dave

    davescm
    Community Expert
    davescmCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    August 21, 2017

    Hi

    What you describe should work - but try this as an alternative:

    1. Make a selection round your 2D shape .

    2. In properties reduce the extrusion depth to 1px

    3. Make a 3D extrusion from that  selection (3D > New 3D extrusion from current selection)

    4. Export 3D layer to Collada

    Dave

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