Do you want to create a 3-dimensional box or packaging mockup in Adobe Photoshop? Luckily, Photoshop has a 3D feature that allows you to create 3D shapes such as rectangles, cubes, and more. You can easily design a cube and adjust its lighting in a few simple steps. You can also use the Free Transform tool to create a 3D cube or mockup using gradients or original images. This wikiHow will show you how to create a 3D box or cube in Adobe Photoshop.

Things You Should Know

  • When using the 3D tool, click "Window", "3D", then "Mesh from Preset". Click "cube" to create a 3D cube.
  • When using the Transform tool, use a gradient or original designs to create a cube or box mockup.
  • Photoshop will replace 3D features with Adobe's Substance collection in the future.
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Using 3D Object Tool

  1. 1
    Open Photoshop and create a new document.[1]
  2. 2
    Click Window. This will open a drop-down menu.
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  3. 3
    Click 3D. A new panel will open.
  4. 4
    In the 3D panel, click Mesh from Preset. This will select the option.
  5. 5
    Click the drop-down menu and select Cube. This will be between Cube Wrap and Cylinder.
    • You can also select other shapes.
  6. 6
    Click Create. A prompt will appear to switch to the 3D workspace.
  7. 7
    Click Yes. Your cube will appear in the 3D workspace.
    • You can pan your camera by using the three icons at the bottom left corner of the screen.
    • Click Orbit the 3D Camera to move around the camera and see the cube.
    • Click Pan the 3D Camera to pan the camera.
    • Click Dolly the 3D Camera to adjust the distance of the camera from the cube.
  8. 8
    Edit your cube. You can change the lighting using the 'Infinite Light icon on the top right corner of your workspace. The icon will look like a wand with short rays.
    • If you don’t see Infinite Light, you can navigate to the 3D panel and select Infinite Light to activate it.
    • Click and drag the wand to adjust the lighting of your cube.
  9. 9
    Click Window.
  10. 10
    Click Render 3D Layer. This will begin rendering your cube.
    • Alternatively, you can click the cube icon in the Properties panel. This will be next to the trash can icon.
    • You'll be able to see the remaining rendering time at the bottom left corner, next to zoom percentage.
    • If you want to work on this project later, you can make a PSD file.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using Transform Tools

  1. 1
    Open a new Photoshop project. If you want to make a 3D box for a mockup of a product, you can use Photoshop's Transform tools to create your packaging.[2]
  2. 2
    Prepare your images. You can create a simple cube by using a gradient. You can also use original images and designs to create a 3D packaging mockup.
    • To use a gradient, create a new layer. Fill it in using a gradient with the lightest color at the top left.
      • Duplicate the gradient layer. Go to Image → Transform → Flip Horizontal.
      • Create a third layer and fill it in using a gradient with the lightest color now at the bottom left.
    • To use original images as the faces of your cube, import at least three images.
      • Be sure to rasterize your image layers.
      • Select all image layers. Go to Layers → Rasterize → Layers.
  3. 3
    Click Edit in the top menu, then Free Transform. A selection box will appear.
    • Alternatively, you can press CTRL + T (Windows) or CMD + T (Mac) to enter Free Transform mode.
  4. 4
    Edit the front-facing cube face. Use your gradient layer.
    • For original images, decide which of the three prepared images will be the front of your cube.
    • Hold down CTRL or CMD and click the middle dot on the left side of the image.
    • Drag the image up until it rests at an angle.
  5. 5
    Edit the side-facing cube face. Use the gradient layer flipped horizontal.
    • For original images, decide which of the remaining two images will be the side of your cube.
    • Move your image until the left side meets the right side of the first image. Make sure the top-left and bottom-left corners meet.
    • Hold down CTRL or CMD and click the middle dot on the right side of the second image.
    • Drag the image up until it rests at an angle.
  6. 6
    Edit the top-facing cube face. Use the gradient layer with the lightest color at the bottom-left.
    • For original images, use the remaining image as the top of your cube.
    • Move your image until the bottom-left corner connects to the top-left corner of your first image.
    • Hold down CTRL or CMD and click the middle dot on the right side of the third image.
    • Drag the image down until the third image lines up with the first image.
    • Hold down CTRL or CMD and click the middle dot on the top side of the third image.
    • Drag the image down until the bottom-right corner connects to the first and second image.
  7. 7
    Add effects. You can trim the back corner for a more realistic look. You can also add a drop shadow.
    • To trim the back corner, select the Rectangular Marquee tool in the Tools panel.
      • Select a small segment at the back corner of the cube. Press del on your keyboard to delete the selection.
    • To add a drop shadow, use the Rectangle tool to create a black square the same dimensions as the bottom of your cube. Hold down CTRL or CMD and drag to adjust as necessary.
      • Go to Layer → Layer Styles → Drop Shadow. Adjust the drop shadow settings, then click OK.
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About This Article

Rain Kengly
Written by:
wikiHow Technology Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Rain Kengly. Rain Kengly is a wikiHow Technology Writer. As a storytelling enthusiast with a penchant for technology, they hope to create long-lasting connections with readers from all around the globe. Rain graduated from San Francisco State University with a BA in Cinema. This article has been viewed 75,343 times.
2 votes - 50%
Co-authors: 6
Updated: October 25, 2022
Views: 75,343
Categories: Drawing Shapes
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