3-D effects add depth and interest to any image.
Adobe Photoshop has a wide array of preloaded 2-D and 3-D effects to help graphic designers design faster and smarter. With just a few simple clicks, you can upgrade a bland design to something spectacular. Whether you're a first-time Photoshop user or well-versed Photoshop pro, these widely used 3-D effects will give depth and interest to any image.
Instructions
Create a New Document and Add Effects
1. Launch Adobe Photoshop and create a new document---you can use the preloaded document, or you can create a document from scratch. To use the preloaded document setting, click on the "File" drop menu and select "New," then make a selection from the drop-down list of preloaded page sizes and press "OK." To create a custom-size document, go to the "File" drop-down menu and select "New." Then adjust the width and height to your liking.
2. Once you have created your document add the 3-D effect. You can add 3-D effects to text, vectored images like Photoshop's preloaded customs shapes, or use other image files. Begin by opening the image you want to manipulate and drag it onto your newly created document. To open an image file, go to the "File" drop-down menu and select "Open," then select the file from the file directory. The other option is to apply the effect to text using the Text Tool. The Text Tool in located in the Toolbox to the right of the design space.
Photoshop has a number of built-in features to give first-time users access to a variety of 2-D and 3-D effects. The easiest way to apply 3-D effects is via the layers palette. To apply an effect, double-click the layer to bring up the layer-style menu; then check the 3-D effect you'd like to apply. Two of the most widely used 3-D techniques are the drop shadow and bevel/emboss effects:
A drop shadow gives an image depth by creating a shadow of the image. To use the drop shadow option, double-click the layer in the floating layers palette to bring up the layer effect options. Check the drop shadow option, then, double-click to further adjust the size and direction of the shadow. To do this, use the sliders to adjust the distance and spread.
The next option is bevel/emboss. According to the Adobe help center, a bevel creates a "raised or depressed effect around all or part of an image or text." If you are trying to achieve an effect that resembles engraving or branding, this is the effect you will want to apply. To use the bevel/emboss option, double-click your layer in the floating layers palette to bring up the layer effect options and check bevel/emboss. Next, double-click the bevel/emboss tab to adjust the depth and size sliders and press "OK."
3. Save the .psd file so that you can come back and make changes to the content later. Then save again, using the "Save As" method. Save the image as a .jpg file for maximum compatibility between computers.
