How do you merge 3D work with other media?

1 Prepare your 3D assets

The first step is to prepare your 3D assets for merging with other media. This means optimizing them for the size, resolution, and format that you need. You can use a 3D modeling software, such as Blender, Maya, or Cinema 4D, to create or modify your 3D models, textures, and materials. You can also use online libraries, such as Sketchfab or TurboSquid, to find and download ready-made 3D assets. Make sure to check the license and attribution of the 3D assets you use.

2 Import your 3D assets

The next step is to import your 3D assets into the software that you will use to merge them with other media. Depending on your goal, you can use different software, such as Photoshop, After Effects, Premiere Pro, or Unity. Each software has its own way of importing 3D assets, so you need to follow the instructions and settings for your chosen software. For example, in Photoshop, you can use the 3D menu to import 3D models as layers, while in After Effects, you can use the Cinema 4D renderer to import 3D models as compositions.

3 Adjust the lighting and camera

The third step is to adjust the lighting and camera of your 3D assets to match the other media. This is crucial to make your 3D work look realistic and integrated with the rest of your project. You can use the tools and options of your software to manipulate the light sources, shadows, reflections, and colors of your 3D assets. You can also use the camera tools to position, rotate, and zoom your 3D assets in relation to the other media. For example, in Premiere Pro, you can use the Essential Graphics panel to adjust the position and scale of your 3D assets, while in Unity, you can use the Lighting window to adjust the ambient and directional light of your scene.

4 Export the final result

The final step is to export the final result of your merged 3D work and other media. This means saving or rendering your project as a file that you can share or use for further editing. You can choose the format, quality, and resolution of your output file according to your needs and preferences. You can also add some effects or filters to enhance your final result. For example, in Photoshop, you can use the Export As option to save your project as a JPEG or PNG image, while in Unity, you can use the Build Settings option to create a playable game or app.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?