Adobe Photoshop receives 3D printing tools

Adobe is adding new tools to Photoshop that let users create and edit designs for 3D printing. Before 3D printers crank out objects, a user needs digital model, either one they create or download from the Internet. One you’ve got one, though, you’ll need software that supports 3D imagery if you want to edit it. As of today, Photoshop users can design, edit and customize those 3D models similar to how you might adjust a 2D picture within the app.

First Microsoft, now Adobe: 3D printing will get a big mainstream boost Thursday when users find they can now use Photoshop to edit 3D designs and output them directly to a 3D printer. Right now, designing a 3D printable object can be a cumbersome process that involves switching between several design and print prep software applications. While users will be able to use Photoshop to create designs from scratch if they wish, Photoshop product manager Andy Lauta said in a press conference earlier this week that Adobe expects people will mainly use it as a finishing tool that will cut down on the number of applications needed to get an object designed and ready to print.