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Inspiring
October 18, 2018
Question

Mapping a 2D Image Onto a Box, Flag, etc.

  • October 18, 2018
  • 1 reply
  • 950 views

I don't know the right terminology for this, which is probably why my searches have failed.

I need to take a rectangular 2D image, and map it onto an image like a box or flag or some other shape that appears to turn corners, etc. I would use the term "3D," but that seems to mean something very specific these days and usually leads to the wrong advice.

I have often wanted to take a 2D picture and place it onto something that technically is also a 2D image, but appears to be 3D (does that make sense?), like a wrinkled up piece of paper, landscape, car, box, mountainside, etc. This particular project is to put a book cover onto a 3D mockup of a magazine that is tilted and a bit curled.

I'm using the latest CC version of Photoshop and was actually prompted for a tutorial for doing EXACTLY this a couple of weeks ago. But I didn't have time and thought I could just look it up later. Sigh. Now is "later," and I can't find it now.

Can someone point me in the right direction?

Thanks!

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    1 reply

    Jeff Arola
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    October 19, 2018

    Sounds like Filter>Displace using a Displacement Map is what you need as explained in the below link:

    Photoshop HELP! (with displacement map)

    Inspiring
    October 19, 2018

    Thanks Jeff. I don't think this was it. It is MUCH simpler than all the seemingly (to me, anyway) complex stuff need for a displacement map.

    The tutorial I saw was pretty straightforward. I just don't remember the name/terminology. When I find it, I'll reply with the info.