Using the 3D Axis (Photoshop Extended)



The 3D Axis shows the current X, Y, and Z-axis orientation of the 3D model in 3D space. It appears when you have a 3D layer and 3D tool selected. You can use the 3D Axis as an alternative to the 3D position tools to move, rotate, or resize a 3D model in object space. (To change scene view, use the 3D camera tools.)

3D Axis with rotation control selected.

A.
Minimize 3D Axis

B.
Resize 3D Axis

C.
Move 3D object along an axis

D.
Rotate 3D object

E.
Compress/elongate 3D object

F.
Resize 3D object

Note: OpenGL must be enabled to display the 3D Axis. See About OpenGL.

For a video on using the 3D Axis, see www.adobe.com/go/lrvid4005_ps.

Move, rotate, or scale a model with the 3D Axis

To use the 3D Axis, move the mouse pointer over an axis component to highlight it, and then drag.

  • To move the model along the X, Y, or Z-axis, highlight the conical tip of any axis. Drag in either direction along the axis.

  • To rotate the model, click the curved rotation segment just inside an axis tip. A yellow circle appears showing the rotation plane. Drag in a clockwise or counterclockwise circle around the 3D Axis center. To rotate more gradually, move the mouse further away from the center of the 3D Axis.

  • To resize the model, drag the center cube in the 3D Axis up or down.

  • To compress or elongate the model along an axis, drag one of the colored transform cubes either toward or away from the center cube.

  • To constrain movement to an object plane, move the mouse pointer into the area where two axes intersect, near the center cube. A yellow plane icon appears between two axes. Drag in any direction. You can also move the pointer over the lower part of the center cube to activate the plane icon.

Minimize, restore, move, or resize the 3D Axis

  1. Move the pointer over the 3D Axis to display the control bar.

  2. Do one of the following:

    • To move the 3D Axis, drag the control bar.

    • To minimize, click the minimize icon.

    • To restore to normal size, click the minimized 3D Axis.

    • To resize, drag the zoom icon.

Show or hide the 3D Axis

  • Choose View > Show > 3D Axis.