Photoshop Adds In 3D Printing Tools

 3D Printing  

As 3D printing becomes more widely available, software makers are rushing to bring tools that will allow users to create and edit objects for printing. Now, Adobe has announced that it is including 3D printing support to Photoshop.

Adobe, makers of the much-used Adobe Creative Suite/Cloud is adding new tools to Photoshop that allow users create and edit designs for 3D printing.

Before 3D printers can make anything, CAD files must be created or download from the Internet. For the most part, the creation and editing end of 3D file creation is one of the factors holding back 3D printing from wider-scale adoption.

Now, users with Photoshop can design, edit and customize their 3D files in a familiar setting.

"3D printing has been around for a few decades, but most of the money spent on parts is in manufacturing and dental verticals," Andy Lauta, Product Manager at Photoshop, said during a press call.

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"As more consumers start to participate in 3D printing capabilities and those buying 3D printers install them in their homes, the 3D market [will grow]. The problem today — prior to the announcement — is that there is a gap between the models out there and what printers need to do to produce high-quality results."

Photoshop users can add color, adjust the shape of imported models. Artists can also design 3D models from scratch."We aren't envisioning Photoshop to compete with other models, but — similar role to what the platform does in the creative workplace — it will be a finishing tool to create and edit," Lauta said.

When a user is ready to print a 3D object, the software will take you through fixing minor flaws in the model (such as patching small holes in the mesh) and preparing it for production. You can also specify the type of material you want to use for printing.

"It takes the hard part out out of 3D printing," Lauta added. "What you see on the screen will be what's printed in 3D. Photoshop now supports a range of 3D printers too, including ones from MakerBot."

The update, available now, requires Photoshop version 14.1 to be installed on computers. It's a free update for Adobe Creative Cloud members ($49.99 a month), as well as Creative Cloud app members ($19.99 each month) and CS3 customers ($9.99). The 3D printing tools can also be accessed for a free 30-day trial period.

You may even want to print your designs in chocolate.

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