Chrome 3D Text Using Image Based Lights
In this tutorial, we’ll create this awesome chrome 3D text using Image Based Lights in Photoshop CS6 Extended.
3D in Photoshop is extremely powerful and I’m sure you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to achieve great results, especially when you use IBLs.
Image-Based Lights, or IBLs as they are known, are lights created out of images and applied to 3D objects in Photoshop. This creates a realistic environment for the 3D object that you are working with.
This technique is not new to Photoshop, in fact, Photoshop CS5 allowed you to create image-based lights. However Photoshop CS6 is so much better at it, and the new user interface is much easier to use and understand.
PHOTOSHOP CS6 EXTENDED IS REQUIRED FOR THIS TUTORIAL!
In This Tutorial You Will Learn How To:
02:09 – Convert text into a 3D object.
03:19 – Use the 3D tools in Photoshop to align your 3D ground plane to your image.
04:18 – Move the infinite light in Photoshop and control your object’s shadow.
05:24 – Set an Image Based Light (IBL).
06:21 – Make 3D objects reflect light.
07:01 – Tips for rendering in Photoshop.
09:08 – Change a 3D object’s shape preset.
09:57 – Place and move the Image Based Light.
11:04 – Split Extrusions.
14:10 – Paint shadows below the text.
15:45 – Edit Image Based Light textures.
Final Image:


If you enjoyed this tutorial, make sure to follow PTC on YouTube! And if you create something using this tutorial, share it on social media with the hashtag #PTCvids for a chance to get featured!
Hey thanks a lot for this tut. learnt a lot about CS6 and 3d tools in this tut. Too bad i still dont have a cs6, using cs5 as of now 🙂 cheers.. and keep em tuts coming. i am loving it !!
Thanks Mayur!
Glad you’re liking them!
I will like to have the image. Thank you for the tutorial. FANTASTIC
The image to follow along is on this page! Above the comments!
That is crazy cool. So shiny!
Yes it is!
Thanks!
Love the chrome 3D effect! I’m looking forward to see the 3D effects you come with in the future.
Thanks Jeff!
Excellent post ,I love these!
Thanks for sharing the tutorial.
Glad you like them!
Hello Ramirez. I had faced a problem with my photoshop while following this video. I have photoshop cc 14.2 trail version and while i was trying to create new 3D content with selected layer, my PC was showing an error that not enough Memory(RAM). But I have 4GB of RAM installed in my PC. Can you please help me?
Are do following this tutorial. Are doing your own project? If you are doing your own project then you may have a large file with lots of layers, and 4GB of RAM may not be enough.
Awesome tutorial a tried it myself its easy and fast with good results.I made one myself and i would like to show you but unfortunately i cant send pics via comment…….
anyway thanks for this cool lesson now i can Shine with my friends B)
You can send pics through my Facebook page if you like!
thank you very much, you are a great help to me….
Thanks a lot for the image.
You’re welcome!
this is beautiful,can I use Photoshop cs5 to do this?
Bro i am clicking on the infinite light icon but that tool is not appearing that you’re dragging around.
i am using CS6 EXTENDED