To exit 3D mode in Photoshop, simply go to ‘Window’ > ‘Workspace’ and select ‘Essentials (Default)’ from the list. This will switch you back to the default workspace, removing you from the 3D environment.

Visual Guide: Exiting 3D Mode in Photoshop with Screenshots

Accidentally finding yourself in the 3D workspace in Photoshop can be confusing, but it’s easy to navigate back to the default mode. Follow these simple steps with accompanying screenshots:

Step 1: Locate the Workspace Option

Navigate to the “Window” menu at the top of the Photoshop interface. From there, select “Workspace.” See the screenshot below for reference:

Locate the Workspace Option

Step 2: Choose the Default Workspace

Once you’ve accessed the “Workspace” menu, you’ll see a list of options. Click on “Essentials (Default)” to return to the default workspace. See the screenshot below for visual guidance:

Choose the Default Workspace

By following these two steps, you’ll seamlessly exit 3D mode and return to the familiar interface of Photoshop’s default workspace. If you prefer a visual walkthrough, watch the accompanying video for further assistance.

Quick Tutorial: How to Turn off 3D Mode in Photoshop

For a visual demonstration of how to exit 3D mode in Photoshop, watch our tutorial video below:

Read on to learn about the current and previous 3d mode features and discover much more.

Understanding the Current 3D Photoshop Workspace

The basic 3D Workspace in Adobe Photoshop offers robust features for working with 3D elements. Key functionalities include:

  • 3D Layer Management: Organize and manipulate 3D layers efficiently within your project.
  • 3D Scene Settings for Environment Control: Adjust settings to control the environment of your 3D scene, including lighting, shadows, and backgrounds.
  • 3D Objects and Layers for Object Manipulation: Easily manipulate 3D objects and layers to achieve desired effects and compositions.
  • Texture Application: Apply materials and textures to 3D objects to enhance realism and visual appeal.

Furthermore, users can navigate through their scenes with the ability to move around and zoom in, providing a dynamic and immersive editing experience akin to using a real camera.

The Discontinuation of Photoshop 3D Features

Discontinuation of Photoshop 3D Features

As of August 2021, special 3D features in Photoshop have been discontinued. This decision was made due to the outdated technology upon which these features relied. 

The changes in how computers handle graphics, coupled with the aging infrastructure of the 3D engine, rendered the 3D files in Photoshop unreliable on newer systems.

Consequently, the following features are no longer available in the Adobe 3D workplace:

  • No 3D Workspace Interactions: The ability to manipulate 3D objects within Photoshop has been removed.
  • No 3D Printing Support: Support for creating or preparing models for 3D printing is no longer available.
  • No Normal Map and Bump Map Filters: Filters for creating texture effects, including those for smart objects, have been discontinued.
  • No Lighting Effects: Features related to adjusting lighting on 3D objects have been removed.
  • No Extrusions, Including Text: Creation of 3D effects such as raised text is no longer supported.
  • No Spherical Panorama Editing: Editing and support for 3D panoramic images have been discontinued.
  • No Import/Export of 3D Formats: Importing or exporting files in 3D formats is no longer possible within Photoshop.

Considerations When Using 3D Content in Photoshop

  1. While Photoshop files containing 3D elements can still be opened in any version of Photoshop, direct manipulation of 3D parts will convert them into regular 2D images.
  1. The quality of these converted images will remain locked to their original resolution and appearance when saved with 3D rendering capabilities. Opening them in different versions of Photoshop or altering their resolution may result in diminished quality.

By understanding these changes and considerations, users can adapt their workflows and expectations accordingly when working with 3D content in Photoshop.

Options for Using 3D Features in Photoshop

Explore various avenues for leveraging 3D capabilities within Photoshop, including utilizing specific software versions or alternative solutions provided by Adobe’s Substance 3D collection.

Utilizing Photoshop Version 22.2

If you’re keen on retaining access to Photoshop’s 3D features, consider using Photoshop version 22.2. This version is available for installation via the Creative Cloud Desktop app for approximately two years from August 2021. 

However, it’s essential to note that the system requirements remain unchanged from December 2020. Once installed, refrain from updating the software to preserve access to the 3D features. 

This option is viable until around August 2023, two years after the discontinuation of 3D features.

4 Alternative Solutions from Adobe

Adobe offers a range of alternative solutions under the Substance 3D collection, providing comprehensive 3D capabilities. Here’s an overview of the offerings:

Substance 3D Painter

Substance 3D Painter is a powerful tool for applying paint and materials to 3D models. It offers precise painting capabilities using UV maps and provides flexibility for making adjustments later, akin to Photoshop for 3D painting.

Substance 3D Stager

Substance 3D Stager facilitates the setup of 3D scenes, enabling users to utilize pre-made shapes or import their models. With options to adjust lighting, materials, and background images, it seamlessly integrates with other Substance 3D software and Adobe tools.

Substance 3D Sampler

Substance 3D Sampler focuses on textures and patterns, allowing users to apply real-life textures to 3D models for enhanced realism. It offers a variety of built-in patterns and supports importing photos, all while maintaining compatibility with Adobe software.

Substance 3D Designer

Substance 3D Designer specializes in creating materials for 3D designs, offering a visual interface for creating and adjusting materials effortlessly. With access to a vast library of ready-made parts, it enables users to produce complex textures with realistic lighting effects and accurate color management.

Conclusion

In conclusion, navigating out of 3D mode in Photoshop is simpler than you think. By following the easy steps outlined in this guide, you can seamlessly return to the familiar workspace.

Remember, whether it’s through switching back to the default settings or exploring alternative solutions, there’s always a way to achieve your desired results in Photoshop. So don’t hesitate to experiment, practice, and let your creativity soar!

Author

  • Emily Duncan

    Hi there! I'm Emily Duncan, an image retoucher at Image Retouching Lab. With over 6 years of experience, I'm passionate about enhancing images to perfection. I love sharing tips and tutorials on our website to help others master the art of image editing.