How To: Content-Aware scale and create 3D objects in Photoshop

Pixel Perfect is the "perfect" show to help you with your Photoshop skills. Be amazed and learn as master digital artist Bert Monroy takes a stylus and a digital pad and treats it as Monet and Picasso do with oil and canvas. Learn the tips and tricks you need to whip those digital pictures into shape with Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. In this episode, Ben shows you how to content-Aware scale and create 3D objects in Photoshop.

Photoshop Secrets: Learn how to use Content-Aware Scaling in Photoshop CS4, eliminating the need to use the clone tool when drawing items of focus closer to each other. Also, learn how to manipulate and create new 3D graphics using gradients.

Bert demonstrates by using examples such as an image of three boats in the water, or an ocean-front image with two palm trees. To draw the items of focus closer to each other, Content-Aware Scaling is used, a process that eliminates redundant areas of an image.

Content-Aware Scaling gives you the same transformation handles as the other transform tools. However, when you pull the handles in, excess space in the background is removed and the items in focus come together in the proportions. Trim the image to apply final cropping touches.

3D integration has been simplified and there is no longer a need for third party software. This feature is demonstrated with a 3D image of a bench layered onto a flat image of a deck, and step-by-step instructions on creating new 3D objects. There are many free 3D images offered online.

Once you have these 3D files, you can bring them into Photoshop for manipulation.

Search Pixel Perfect on WonderHowTo for more Photoshop episodes from this Revision3 show.