Adobe Photoshop CC gets 3D printing support along with new 3D tools

Adobe has update to its Photoshop CC software, part of the Creative Cloud subscription-based online service, to add 3D printing capabilities following the rising popularity of the technology. All the tools and features are available as a free update to Creative Cloud subscribers.

"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," stated Winston Hendrickson, Adobe's VP of products, Creative Media Solutions in a press release.

The new 3D printing option in Photoshop is said to "simplifying the 3D print process" by adding new functionalities, enabling the user to refine, preview, prepare and output the three-dimensional designs. Tools like automated mesh repair and support structure generation help the users in finalizing the product. The software will also provide a temporary support to the designs and creations during the production and will auto-check for watertightness.

The Photoshop CC update includes two vital features - Perspective Warp and Linked Smart Objects. While the Perspective Warp enables the user to change the object's viewpoint according to his or her use, the Linked Smart Objects feature helps to improve automatic updating.

Adobe's premier imaging software now features built-in direct print support for four popular 3D printers, namely 3D Systems Cube, MakerBot Replicator 2, MakerBot Replicator 2x and Zcorp Full Color.