While 3D printing is poised to represent a major shift in the way we work, play, and conduct business as a society, there are some issues that keep 3D printing out of the hands of the everyday consumer. While expense is certainly one issue—most 3D printers run well over the four figure range, though there are exceptions to this—a second major problem is of 3D modeling systems commercially available to regular users. That's a problem that Adobe (News - Alert) seems eager to fix with the recent addition of new tools to its popular Photoshop program, however, and starting today, users will be able to handle a lot of 3D heavy-lifting right from Photoshop.

With the new tools, users can download 3D photo models and make modifications from there, including adjusting angles, modifying color schemes to suit or even tweaking the shape of the designs made. That's a great start, but also included is the ability to completely fabricate 3D models from start to finish, allowing for a complete model-building solution from the outset. That's the perfect start for a 3D printing operation, and it carries on from there. Once the user is ready to print the 3D object that's been modeled—either by modifying an existing model or creating one outright—new features in the software step in to address issues in the model's construction, like holes in the mesh or the like. Then users can even note the kind of material desired with which to print the item.

Basically, as described by Photoshop product manager Andy Lauta, the new features will work to take “the hard part out of 3D printing” by offering an easy-to-use model for turning 3D models into 3D printed objects. While Lauta doesn't necessarily believe that Photoshop will ultimately compete with other models, it will likely end up as a “finishing tool to create and edit.” There will be competition afoot here, as MakerBot currently offers a free tool for editing 3D designs known as MakerWare that handles at least some of the job, but not with that familiar Photoshop brand recognition. Those interested will need to be running Photoshop 14.1, and the update is free for those on Adobe Creative Cloud, Creative Cloud app members, or CS3 customers, and a free 30-day trial is also available.

While 3D printing does have some incredible ramifications in terms of most every segment of life, putting that ability readily into the hands of users did still have some issues. While MakerBot and its MakerWare system certainly had plenty going for it, there were likely to be users that weren't going through MakerBot, and thus weren't aware. For Adobe to bring out 3D modeling tools and put said tools in with a platform that many people know and use every day represents something of a sea change overall, and makes the picture a lot brighter for the future of 3D printing. Then the issue of competition comes into play—surely other 3D modeling capabilities won't want to let Adobe have most of the pool to itself!--and the number of tools to help on this front may well pick up.

We could be looking at the earliest days of a real creative revolution here, made possible by the widespread use of 3D printers and 3D printing supplies. Only time will tell just how far it all goes, but this could be very big news indeed, not just for those who offer printing capabilities, but for those who use these items as well.