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How to Change the Color of 3D Extrusion in Photoshop?

Published in Photoshop 3D Color 4 mins read

Changing the color of a 3D extrusion in Photoshop can refer to altering the main material color of the extruded object itself or adjusting the colors of the visual aids (like mesh outlines) displayed in the 3D environment. This guide covers both aspects.

Changing the Main Material Color of Your 3D Extrusion

The most common way to change the color of your 3D extrusion is by modifying its material properties using the 3D panel in Photoshop. This affects the actual surface color of the object.

Here's how you typically do it:

  1. Select Your 3D Layer: In the Layers panel, click on the layer containing your 3D extrusion.
  2. Open the 3D Panel: Go to Window > 3D to open the 3D panel.
  3. Identify and Select the Material: In the 3D panel, you will see a list of components for your 3D layer. Expand the tree view until you find the materials associated with your extrusion. Extruded text or shapes often have multiple material types, such as:
    • Front Inflation Material: The front cap of the extrusion.
    • Extrusion Material: The long side surfaces of the extrusion.
    • Back Inflation Material: The back cap of the extrusion.
    • Bevel Materials: If you added a bevel, these cover the bevel surfaces.
  4. Modify the Diffuse Color: Select the specific material you want to color (e.g., "Extrusion Material"). In the properties below, find the Diffuse color swatch. Click on it to open the Color Picker.
  5. Choose Your Color: Select the desired color in the Color Picker and click OK. The chosen material on your 3D extrusion will update to the new color.

You can apply different colors or textures to each material type (front, back, extrusion sides, bevels) independently for a custom look.

Changing the Color of 3D Overlays and Visual Aids

Photoshop uses various visual overlays within the 3D environment to help you work, such as mesh outlines, the ground plane, and the 3D axis. The colors of these aids can be customized in the Preferences dialog.

As referenced, to change the color of 3D overlays like material and mesh outlines, you need to customize options in the 3D section of the Preferences dialog box.

Here are the general steps:

  1. Open Preferences: Go to Edit > Preferences > 3D (on Windows) or Photoshop > Settings > 3D (on macOS).
  2. Customize Overlay Colors: In the 3D Preferences window, you will find options under sections like "Interactive Rendering" or "3D Display" to adjust the colors of various overlays, including:
    • Wireframe Color
    • Selected Wireframe Color
    • Ground Plane Color
    • Axis Color
    • And other visual aids.
  3. Select New Colors: Click on the color swatches next to the overlay type you want to change. This opens the Color Picker, allowing you to select a new color for that specific overlay.
  4. Apply Changes: Click OK to close the Preferences window and apply your changes.

These preference changes affect the visual appearance of the working 3D environment in Photoshop and are global settings, not tied to a specific 3D layer. They help improve visibility based on your screen and object colors.

By using the 3D panel for material colors and the Preferences for overlay colors, you have full control over how your 3D extrusion looks and how you interact with it in Photoshop.

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