PhotoshoP Cs6 ExtEndEd3D Type TuTorial

Using the new 3D engine Photoshop CS6 Extended, create 3D type in various scenes.

By Marcus Byrne SENIOR DESIgNER & CREatIvE REtOUCHER

ABOUT THE TUTORIALLearn how to create 3D type in Photoshop CS6 Extended.

If you are new to the 3D world, just take it easy and follow

the steps slowly. It can be frustrating for a beginner but with

practice, the 3D space becomes less intimidating.

If you are familiar with 3D software like Cinema 4D

or 3D Studio Max, you should pick it up quite quickly.

3D Type in lonDon

During a recent break

in London, I shot some

iconic London imagery

including the famous red

telephone boxes.

In this tutorial, I’ll take

you through various steps

used to create 3D type,

texture and final crafting.

Open up Photoshop CS6,

download an image to

work with and get started.

choose a fonT

Click the type tool and

type in the words.

Choose a font that will

work well with the

concept. I chose to use

the font “Mod”. It works

well with this idea as I

wanted the characters

to have a thick blocky

feel to sit well in the

environment.

01

exTruDe The Type

With the type layer selected

in the layer palette, go

type>Extrude to 3D. this

extrudes the type. go to the

properties menu to see the

extrude options.

In Mesh, make sure Cast and

Catch Shadows are ticked.

In Deform, Set the Extrusion

depth to 314. Set Bevel

Contour edges, twist and

taper to something you are

happy with.

02

TexTurinG

We can explore all the faces

and texture them. I used a

native texture and played

around with the various

parameters to create a

stone look.

Photoshop CS6 Extended

has some interesting

material parameters to get

you started on your base

texture.

03

spliT The exTrusion

to move the different letters

in different positions we

need to split the extrusion.

With Layer selected, go

3D>Split Extrusion. Open

the type folder In the 3D

layer palette to see the

different letters.

Re-name them to organise.

Click the 3D faces and see

them selected on the comp.

04

liGhTinG

the 3D world wouldn’t be visible without light. the default light is set to Infinite Light. there are Spot and Point options too.

Change the parameters by selecting Infinite light in the 3D Palette. In the Properties Panel, have a play with intensity and the Shadow Softness. Point the light by moving the “Ball Device” in the heads up display.

05

aDD exTra TexTure

Shooting textures is a great way to build up a library of materials to use in your 3D work.

Using masks and the eraser tool, refine your composition with extra textures and shadows, this brings your work to a new level. Final touches using adjustment layers with High Pass filter to sharpen, finally de-saturate the image.

Finish with some noise to the overall composition.

06

The following projecT feaTures 3D Type creaTeD

in cinema 4D wiTh TexTuring & graDing

in phoToshop

publications featuring various

projects & tutorials

With over a decade of international industry experience

across leading brands such as Honda, Holden,

Medibank, australian Defence Force. Marcus works

across Print, Digital, 3D, Retouching, Photography and

Motion graphics.

Marcus also writes and creates tutorials for Advanced

Photoshop and Photoshop Creative publications.

Most recently he created the cover artwork for

Advanced Photoshop exploring 3D type.

Email marcusbbyrne@gmail.com

Web marcusbyrne.com / behance.net/mobdesign

Marcus byrne senIOr desIgner & creatIve retOucHer