Adobe has just introduced its latest version of Photoshop CC for its Creative Cloud subscribers, with a host of new features and most notable is that version 14.2 includes support for 3D printing.
The new version is all set to enable users to design new 3D models directly in Photoshop or to import existing models from other 3D software with further capabilities to edit, refine, preview and then 3D print them directly from within the Photoshop environment.
The premise is that this is an accessible and enabling feature within a familiar environment for 3D designers and creatives that may not otherwise engage with 3D printing or who have struggled to do so to date. Stephen Nielson, Photoshop’s Product Manager, highlighted how it can be a challenge to get started. But with this latest version of Photoshop CC the complexity of the process is removed. Photoshop Version 14.2 includes automatic mesh repair and automatic generation of support structures.
This does indeed seems to be a move towards 3D printing accessibility for a ubiquitous software platform, but Adobe might struggle to live up to the marketing spiel of ensuring “a successful print every time,”.
And while Adobe says that Photoshop CC supports the most popular desktop 3D printers, this would suggest it may not be compatible with all of them. However, Adobe is not just targeting 3D printer owners, as the company has partnered with Shapeways for non-3D printer owners, who can access the 3D printing service directly from the software platform, which supports the full range of high quality materials available including ceramics, metals and full colour sandstone.
