Remove 3D New Shape From Layer

Question

I've applied the 3D > New Shape From Layer command to an image. Now I'd like to remove the 3D shape and apply a different shape. Is there a way to remove the first 3D shape? I've searched, but haven't found a way to do it.

Answer 1

Hi,
From post #8 onward should be a new topic.
To answer most basically, in order to not have part of a 3D mesh display you need to use opacity maps. This is supported in CS4. There also is a way to hide geometry (or make it invisible) but that won't accomplish what is being asked. It hides whole mesh groups, not just parts of mesh groups.
If you just want to display the text mapped on a sphere, then you need to setup a matching opacity map. The steps to get this setup is pretty quick, if not discoverable (yes the UI has room for improvement). It can also be made so that the text is live and a single file controls both opacity mapping and text color. Finally, once created, a material can be saved out that can be used in the future to cut out some steps.
Below are steps, but I haven't confirmed most gotchas. There is one known problem that shows up in the Layers panel (No indication that an opacity map is applied). Another thing is to make sure and save a copy of the final file so you don't overwrite the canned sphere.dae file.
1) create new 1024 x 512 RGB with transparent background
2) with Type tool, create a text string to fit middle third of document space
3) save this file, and close
4) go to File> Open and browse to Ps application folder> Presets> Meshes> Sphere.dae
5) expand the 3D panel, select the Sphere_Material, then click the Diffuse map icon and select 'Load Texture...'
6) select the text file created above to replace the current map file
7) now click the Opacity map icon and select 'Load Texture...'
8) again select the text file created above (ok the warning dialog)
You should now just see text wrapping spherically . At this point you can save out a material preset to apply to any 3D shape without having to build the materail from scratch each time. And make sure to Save As..., closing the original Sphere.dae file without saving to keep that preset clean.
To change the text again, just open the Diffuse map file in the 3D layer and edit the text layer. Saving the file will update on the model and affect the Opacity map as well (ie. change text string or size).
Regards,
steve