Preview

Create a Realistic Blueprint Image From a 3D Object

Jul 2nd in Photo Effects by Alvaro Guzman

In this tutorial, we'll create a a quick mock-up of a 3D car blueprint. Then we'll place it on an image of a drafting table. This time we'll use a particular Photoshop 3D Render Mode to create this awesome effect. Let's get it started!

Author: Alvaro Guzman

I'm Alvaro Guzmán from Bolivia, Web developer and Graphic designer. For me digital design is a modern form of art, which allows me to explore innovative techniques, and helps to deliver a clear message to the public. My work covers advertising, corporate image, print design, and web design areas. I am currently the Design Team Leader of SouthMakers.

Final Image Preview

First, let's take a look at the image we'll be creating. Click the screenshot below to view the full-size image. As always, the layered Photoshop file is available via our PSDTUTS Plus membership.

Final Click

Step 1

Weeks ago, when I published my tutorial about the 3D airplane, I was looking everywhere for a free 3D model with a Creative Commons license. In my quest to find it, I notice some cool websites with absolutely awesome 3D objects to available to play with. For this tutorial, we will use a nice 3D car downloaded from CGIndia.org. When I opened the car in Photoshop I saw the axis planes (X,Y,Z) were part of the model too. This inspired the idea of creating a blueprint of the different views of the car.

After downloading the car model, create a new blank document 1024 pixels by 768 pixels. Then select a white background. Then create a blue (#094464) square over the white layer. This creates a white margin.

Step 2

Create a new 3D layer by going to Layers > 3D Layers > New layer from 3D file. Then find the "3D car" file and press OK.

Step 3

Double-click the 3D layer to edit it. Change the size of the car by making it bigger. Then change the View to Left or Right (depends on you and the model you're using). I don't know why, but on my PC this is the Front view. The trick to creating the blueprint is to change the Render mode from Default to Wireframe.

Step 4

Now Alt+Drag to duplicate the 3D layer. Then change the copy's view to Top. Place the copy below the first view. Also, add some guides to ensure the car's width is the same in both layers.

Step 5

Rasterize both 3D layers by going to Layer > Rasterize > 3D. Then adjust each layer levels to increase the white of the lines using these values.

Step 6

Delete all the extra lines using the Lasso Tool.

Step 7

Now resize both layers, by the way I named them "Car Side" and "Car Top." Also, add some space between them.

Step 8

Next we'll create some lines to get a more realistic blueprint result. First, show the Ruler CTRL+R. Then click the Ruler and drag the cursor to draw a guide. Make sure the guides touch the critical points of your views, like the wheel's diameter, or the car's width and height. Try to get something like the image below.

Step 9

Using the guides, start drawing some lines. Grab the Line Tool and select a white foreground and 1px weight. Then Shift + click and drag to draw the lines (by using shift and drag you will draw perfect horizontal, vertical, or 45º lines).

Draw a line first, then Shift + click to start the second one. This will activate Add to Shape to add the second line into a unique Layer Mask. Using this step draw as many lines as you want, not too many, but not too few either. Change the layer Opacity to 50%.

Step 10

Using the same steps, create a new layer and draw some white lines on it. These lines will show some of the car's dimensions. Create some of this lines between two of the previously draw lines. Again, use the Add to Shape option to add all the lines into a single Vector Mask. Then change the Layer Opacity to 50%.

Step 11

Now add some measurements. You can use some random numbers, but imagine that this is a mock-up of a real-life 3D model, like a house. So, you must transcribe the right dimensions to please the client. For this use the Ruler tool, and select pixels as the measure unit. Finally type the dimension; I used this font to create the text.

Step 12

Let's organize the layers a little bit. Create a Layers Group and name it "Blueprint." Then put all the layers inside it, also create a folders for the numbers, lines and all the extra text. Then duplicate the "Blueprint" group. Then hit Ctrl+E to Merge it. Create a new group outside and name it "Mockup." Then put the "Blueprint copy" inside of it, and hide the "Blueprint" group.

Step 13

Paste this image into a new layer. It's a picture of a nice drawing table. Resize the "Blueprint copy" to make it smaller. Then use the Warp tool to distort it a little bit, specially the bottom left corner. Finally, Select All (Command+A) and Cut (CTRL+X) the "Blueprint copy" layer.

Step 14

Select the empty "Blueprint copy" layer. Then go to Filter > Vanishing Point, and draw a plane over the table. Then extend it a little bit, and paste the "Blueprint" as shown in the image below. Try to get the blueprint's left side out of the drawing table bounds. Then click OK.

Step 15

Duplicate the "Blueprint" layer and fill it with black. Then apply a Gaussian Blur with 2px radius. Then duplicate the "shadow" layer, and apply to the copy another Gaussian Blur with a 10px radius this time. Merge both "shadow" layers and adjust the Hue/Saturation using the values shown at the bottom of this image.

Step 16

Select all the extra paper out of the left table bounds. Distort it using the Warp tool, just a little bit; ensure that the white border remains the same.

Step 17

Using a the Burn tool, add some shadows to the folded blueprint. Also, add some random shadows over the entire blueprint surface.

Step 18

With the Dodge tool add some highlights.

Step 19

Duplicate the "Shadow" layer. Then press Ctrl+F to re-apply the last filter again (Gaussian blur 10 px radius). Then use the Eraser tool to delete some areas of the new shadow. Delete all the areas outside the table too.

Step 20

Using the Blur tool, blur the image a little bit at the top and right side of the blueprint. Don't overdo this, rather apply only the necessary blur amount.

Step 21

Select the "Blueprint" layer of our mock-up. Then click on Filters > Liquify. In the Liquify Filter Window select the Turbulence tool. Then set the values as shown below; just do a few soft click and drags to create more wrinkles over the plane. Then click OK. You can use the Dodge and Burn tools again to get a better result.

Conclusion

This is it! a simple and fast technique to create blueprints of real objects using Photoshop Extended CS3's 3D tools. Try it using some architectural models like a house or a building. If you work with this kind of design, you can blow your clients minds.


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User Comments

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  1. Arnaud Alves July 2nd

    Really coool !


  2. Aaron July 2nd

    Wow, I’ve never once worked with a 3d image within Photoshop. I think you’ve inspired me to give it a go. I had no idea it was so easy to create the wireframe! Fantastic job.


  3. second July 2nd

    nice tutorial!! XD:D


  4. godonholiday July 2nd

    the 3d stuff is cool and it fits onto the table perfectly! Great tools shown here!


  5. Carlos July 2nd

    Wow! Best tutorial on here in a looooong time. Love this efect and may actually compel me to try 3D models in Photoshop! Great great Tutorial.


  6. joharin July 2nd

    Another great reason why I should migrate to CS3 extended…


  7. SnakeJake July 2nd

    Totally useless, but totally awesome. Many great tips in here.


  8. Ruben July 2nd

    How… COOL!


  9. Ben Griffiths July 2nd

    This is great, I particularly like the section where you make the image blend into the environment - very interesting, thanks! :)


  10. -2ö9- July 2nd

    Stunning. It is so inspiring to see how this site grow from the first post till now.
    I’m amaze on how the site balance between quality and quantity.
    Never seen a site like this. tell me if u guys have any site that can compare to this.
    well organized n designed, visually stunning, high usability, good search, educating with clear n concise instructions.
    best of all, great community of readers and supporter of design here!

    who cares if the tutorial is taken else where, the effort of maintaining it is unquestionable.
    i actually prefer if tutorials are taking all over the internet, which mean this is the only site i have to visit.

    pls keep up the hard work. This is a revolution to the internet. This is how website should look like.


  11. Rax July 2nd

    Maybe not a “how to make a background”-tutorial. But it looks really nice and it contains lots of great tips and trix! I’m going to try this one!

    Thank you for the tutorials, as always.


  12. Brad July 2nd

    Agreed with 209!!

    and snakejake… it cant be totally useless when it teaches you many things…even if the result is not very practical, which it actually may be in this case.


  13. Ed July 2nd

    just wow


  14. Danny July 2nd

    Never tried using 3d objects before, didn’t know photoshop could do that! :O


  15. greven July 2nd

    Nice Tutorial. I learned some new techniques here today… Can always try to apply them to make new stuff. :)

    Thanks.


  16. Steve July 2nd

    Wow. Very detailed and cool way of using some of the newer features in PS. Kick ass job!


  17. Andy July 2nd

    This is funny because I did 3D graphic for quite a long time and actually the process of creating photo realistic 3D stuff is the other way round: how to make 3D objects out of blueprints.


  18. K3v July 2nd

    Nice tutorial, well executed! :)


  19. Nate July 2nd

    Wow, now this is crazy stuff. Good crazy that is.


  20. Andrei Constantin July 2nd

    Amazing
    This is by far one of the best tuts around; will give it a try.

    More Vanishing point tuts please


  21. bratn July 2nd

    The problem is when someone doesnt have CS3 Extended version. So for me its useless tuts.


  22. Ryan July 2nd

    now THAT’S a tutorial. Love it.


  23. RUGRLN July 2nd

    Best tutorial seen to date!! Amzaing, wanna do it now, but it’s midnight and don’tthink my old brain will be working too well…:scratcheshead:


  24. moritzpeuser.de July 2nd

    Awesome tutorial!

    Never thought this would be so easy. Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge!


  25. Clemson Donnatucci July 2nd

    Awesome stuff.


  26. ZaFaR July 2nd

    now THAT’S a tutorial. Love it.


  27. MONSTER July 2nd

    Looks pretty good to me… although I might lighten up the blue and decrease the contrast on the print for a bit more realism.

    Overall, it’s pretty cool.


  28. Kapri July 2nd

    I don’t have CS3 extended either… :(


  29. Brad July 2nd

    Thanks a ton again!

    Heres my try at it: http://www.flickr.com/photos/28153336@N05/2628549551/


  30. Dan July 2nd

    Interesting tutorial. Perfect example of why I like this site. The final product is not necessarily useful, however the methods and tools used are and area often not covered by a lot of tutorials. Great tut lots to be taken from it.


  31. Zach LeBar July 2nd

    top notch stuff. keep it up. :)


  32. Grant Friedman July 2nd

    This rocks! Great work Alvaro!


  33. Jonathan Solichin July 2nd

    That’s awesome! Although a 3d model is a bit to complicated for a blueprint. The end result was awesome though.


  34. Gustavo Lemos July 2nd

    Good one..


  35. Joefrey Mahusay July 2nd

    I love it. Thanks for sharing :)


  36. wildwise July 2nd

    nice indeed


  37. Braden Keith July 2nd

    I thought the adding to the stand was cool. Came out really good and the liquid effect just added.


  38. solwyvern July 2nd

    That’s a very unique tutorial. :D
    This is VERY useful,… and as you said, mind-blowing. XD


  39. Andrew J July 2nd

    Awesome!!


  40. Andrew July 2nd

    WOW! I love this effect! Awesome finished product.


  41. Qbrushes July 2nd

    amazing outcome!


  42. Dan July 2nd

    This was an EXCELLENT use of the vanishing point filter. I am just amazed at the results of this tutorial. VERY impressive!


  43. Digitalillusionist July 2nd

    It makes good use of filters and textures very useful in movie animations and other such ventures also fun.


  44. Bleach July 2nd

    I am just so glad that there are people in the world who share their knowledge and skills, and don’t have profit on their minds. Great tut, thank you!


  45. Alex Beltechi July 2nd

    That’s awesome!


  46. Aldaron July 2nd

    wow! awesome!


  47. Johan July 2nd

    This one was a bit odd. Thanks man!


  48. phpbussi July 2nd

    One of the coolest tutorials seen for a while - thanks for sharing and keep up the good work!


  49. Steve Forbes July 2nd

    Awesome tutorial! Putting tools to good use! Nice job! Keep up the great work! :)


  50. megan July 2nd

    i must be retarded…cuz i cant find any 3d layers option…im usin cs2…maybe thats my problem…who knows?


  51. BogDinamita July 2nd

    :O


  52. D. Carreira July 2nd

    WOW! This is an AMAZING tutorial!

    Thanks!

    David Carreira


  53. miri July 2nd

    Awesome tutorial. Too bad I don’t use CS3.


  54. Ali July 2nd

    awesome!


  55. Deniece July 2nd

    This tut is impressive!!! I’m so gonna try this out soon!


  56. Kim Dolleris July 2nd

    Looks great! thanks for sharing!


  57. Craig Snedeker July 2nd

    This is really sweet :D I never know you could open 3d objects in photoshop.

    I think the last bumpy part you made (step 21) could have been left out, I don’t think that goes to well. IMO that is ;)


  58. Riaan July 2nd

    Thanks man, this is by far the most handy tut I’ve seen! Genius!


  59. Htoo Tay Zar July 3rd

    Amazing!! Thanks for this tut!!


  60. Alejandro1481 July 3rd

    Really AWESOME, but too difficult for me :(


  61. Even André Fiskvik July 3rd

    Beautiful! :)


  62. Alvaro Guzmán July 3rd

    I’m really happy that you liked the tut, I’ll be glad to help you guys in everything I can, so if you have any doubt, questions or just need someone to talk about graphic and web design, feel free to contact me at alvarocker.wordpress.com

    Thanks for all the good comments!


  63. NKHAT July 3rd

    nice idea :)


  64. Wouter July 3rd

    Nice work,

    never thought you can do that with photoshop


  65. Frank July 3rd

    Excellent tutorial… Thanks.


  66. Ben July 3rd

    Awesome Work! I loved this Tutorial… My Wife is an AutoCad Drafter… I am going to use the techniques here to make a cool desktop for her computer.


  67. Markus July 3rd

    Wow! Absolutely awesome tutorial!


  68. Grafiko July 3rd

    Great tutorial


  69. BenRulz July 3rd

    great tut…amazing 3d stuff and effects..!


  70. Ricardo Portuguese July 3rd

    VERY VERY VERY VERY COOOOOOOOOL


  71. Alessandro July 3rd

    Bello! Ottimo tutorial! (Good! Great tutorial!)


  72. Pravin Potdar July 4th

    Very Good Tuts!!!


  73. w1sh July 4th

    Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you! You guys are awesome! I love your friggin’ sites.


  74. Mark July 4th

    I really like it very much, great job thanks for sharing this one.


  75. yamaniac July 4th

    nice tutorial! If you could dirty the white borders a bit, the image will look more realistic!


  76. Abdullrhman July 6th

    thank you much much
    really i like it :)


  77. Vankata July 7th

    Awsome tut I added some effects so the paper looks more realistic :)


  78. duda July 7th

    top, right corner very bad


  79. dante July 7th

    the shadow in the floor is not right.


  80. Geer July 9th

    Question. I cant make a 3d layer. Is this because i dont have cs3 extended? i have the “normal” cs3.

    In my layer menu is no thing like 3D layer> or anything like it.

    can any one help me


  81. Alvaro Guzmán July 9th

    @Geer, if you haven’t PS CS3 extended you cannot edit 3D objects :( sorry


  82. Nagaraj July 22nd

    Really nice and cool……..


  83. Hamid July 23rd

    that’s really great.thanks a lot


  84. Claiton Fernando July 29th

    This is very inspired one.I was never looked like this….


  85. Ty August 5th

    W–o-oh-W wow… I haven’t kept up with improvements to Photoshop.
    3D could be so useful, they just added it with the CS3 version then is that right… ??
    I guess.
    Dude’s only running v.7 :(


  86. Christy McGrory August 7th

    It’s these type of tutorials that makes this website worthwhile.


  87. Gino September 2nd

    just one world：useful！thx，many tips in this excellent TUT.


  88. Suangpai October 8th

    Very useful tutorial! Thank you.


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