Merge regular PS project with 3D project

[Indie767]

I noticed that when I go into 3D mode on PS, I can no longer access my original layers from project. My work around is creating a new project and saving it as a "project" 3D. The pain is that I have to go back and forth between the non 3D project and 3D project. Is there a way to merge the two together into one project?

Happy New Year

[Chuck Uebele]

You should be able to just click on the layers tab to see your layers, and if you want to see both, drag one of the tabs out of that group.

[Indie767]

Thanks but I am unable to achieve this as you stated on my version of PS. (I'm using the latest version. Should I go back to a previous version of PS?) I have to save, close and reopen to get out of the 3D mode but when I do, I lose my 3D work. It's gone. I guess I have to export my 3D model and import it back in when I reopen my project? Can you recommend the proper format to do this?

[Chuck Uebele]

I'm also using the latest version of PS. Can you post some screen shots of what you're doing and the results?

[davescm]

Hi

Can you show screenshot of your layers set up as you should have no problem at all combining 2D and 3D layers.

In Photoshop, a  3D scene is just a layer. That layer can exist alongside other 2D or 3D layers in the Photoshop layer stack. The only time you need to do anything special is to combine two or more separate 3D layers into a single 3D layer so that the elements can interact. You can do that with Merge 3D layers.

Dave

[Indie767]

Hello,

I think I understand. When I create an element, say Object A, before making it into a 3D object, I need to duplicate the Object A layer first in case I want to use the 2D version of it of other uses. Is this correct? 

Thanks,

Dave

[davescm]

Yes - if you want to keep the 2D version of a layer you are turning into a 3D object just duplicate the layer first.

Dave

[Indie767]

Got it. Many thanks!