

A 3D layer also includes cameras, which are saved views with the objects in a particular position. In addition to meshes, a 3D layer also includes one or more lights, which affect the appearance of 3D objects and remain in a fixed position as you spin or move the object. In the layer you just created, the image of the wood composes the texture. The same texture might be used by many different maps and materials. The texture may be a simple bitmap graphic or a set of layers. Each map contains one texture-the image that defines what the maps and materials look like. There are nine typical maps, and there can be only one of each kind however, you can also use custom maps. Each material includes one or more maps, which are the components of the appearance. Each mesh, in turn, includes one or more materials-the appearance of a part or all of the mesh.

In the layer you just created, the mesh is the cube wrap shape. Unlike a regular layer, a 3D layer contains one or more meshes. However, a 3D layer can be quite complex. A 3D layer behaves like any other layer-you can apply layer styles, mask it, and so on. You can use the 3D tools whenever a 3D layer is selected in the Layers panel. The Camera widget in the lower left corner of the application window manipulates the camera so you can view a 3D scene from different angles. The 3D tools in the options bar manipulate the object itself.

Photoshop CS6 includes several basic tools that make it easy to rotate, resize, and position 3D objects. You can also return to a 3D layer at any time to change lighting, color, material, or position without having to re-create a lot of the art. The advantage to working with 3D objects is, obviously, that you can work with them in three dimensions. Manipulating 3D objects Manipulating 3D objects
