Adobe adds 3D printing support and Makerbot integration to Photoshop

With the 3D printing trend slowly yet steadily catching up, Adobe has taken a big step towards making it more mainstream. Though Photoshop’s Creative Cloud software allows users to work with 3D models, a new update will add 3D printing options, along with support for popular 3D printers. This means, users can now just work with 3D modelling, but can get it printed too, if they have access to a printer. Adobe is offering the update absolutely free to all Creative Cloud members. The update will integrate output options with Makerbot printers and also vendors like Shapeways.com. The update will reportedly let you import 3D projects in OBJ, STL, 3DS, Collada and KMZ files and make changes using Photoshop tools. Adobe has added several features to simplify 3D printing. Firstly, Photoshop will automatically create temporary supports under and around the model to ensure that it doesn't fall apart during printing. Adobe has teamed up with MakerBot and Shapeways to generate previews automatically that show how the model will look when it's finally printed. 3D Systems' Cube printer will also get a printer-specific preview, which will then be made available to other printers. The integration will reportedly benefit Shapeways, a made-to-order 3D-printing service. Photoshop will basically display how the model will look once it’s ready, so that users can make changes accordingly. It can also estimate the cost of getting the print job done. The update also adds the new Perspective Warp feature that automatically corrects perspective distortion when the user is manipulating objects within an image. Adobe’s Photoshop Creative Cloud monthly subscription costs $49.99 (approximately Rs 3,078), but that doesn't seem like a lot of money for those who already own a 3D printer, which can easily cost thousands of dollars to purchase and set up.