3D printer image via Wikimedia Commons
Adobe has updated its Photoshop CC software, used by designers across the world, to give them access to the tools necessary for creating 3D-printable designs.
As Silicon Republic has highlighted recently, the use of 3D-printed designs has become increasingly common amongst manufacturers, from children’s toys to fighter aircraft. Now, Adobe will give thousands of designers worldwide the chance to create their own 3D designs with an update to its latest version of Photoshop CC.
In an announcement today, Adobe claims its update will greatly simplify the process and hopes it will eventually become the go-to software for 3D designs.
Using the software
Once the software is installed on a computer, designs can be printed to a locally connected 3D printer or via built-in access to a number of online 3D print services.
Adobe said its software is compatible with all the major desktop 3D printers on the market, such as MakerBot Replicator and, likewise, can be used on the full range of printer material, including ceramic, metals and sandstone, through a partnership with Shapeways.
Users can also create online profiles of their 3D designs using the Sketchfab 3D publishing service to share with other 3D printers.
Winston Hendrickson, vice-president products, Creative Media Solutions, Adobe, sees the launch as a means of having 3D printing out on the open market: “The new 3D-printing capabilities in Photoshop CC take the guesswork out of printing 3D models for everyone.
“Before today there was a gap between the content produced by 3D modelling tools and what 3D printers need in order to deliver high-quality results. Now, by simply clicking ‘print’ in Photoshop CC, creatives can bring 3D designs to the physical world.”
