Photoshop: Create 3D logo

You don't have to be a professional to create a 3D logo in Photoshop. We show you the most important steps and functions.

3D logo in Photoshop - the basics

Using the CHIP logo as an example, we show you how to do it in Photoshop:

1. Select the selection rectangle tool. You can find it in the toolbar on the left.
2. Drag the rectangle to the size you want. Right click on it and choose "Layer by Copy". "Level 1" now appears in the level overview on the right.
3. Select "level 1" and fill it with the red filling tool. The edges can be rounded off easily with the eraser.
4. Now you need the white "C". To do this, create a new layer again. To make it transparent, press the key combination [Shift] + [CTRL] + [N]. You must arrange level 2 above level 1. You can change the order in the level overview using drag'n'drop.
5. At level 2 you can now draw the C or any other shape. If you don't get along with the brush tool freehand, you can also place several rounded rectangles next to each other. You select this function with the command [Shift] + [U].

Create a 3D effect for your logo

The basic structure for your 3D logo in Photoshop is now in place, but depth is still lacking. You can change this with these settings:

1. Right click on level 1 and choose "Fill Options". Now go to the "Flattened edge and relief" item.
2. You can play with the settings until the result matches the logo and suits your taste. In the example a depth of 250%, 16Px size and the direction "down" were chosen.
3. Remain in the fill options and then select "Drop shadow". Here too, the settings are individual and enable both soft shadows and strong contrasts.
4. Select level 2 and click "Fill Options" again. This time add "Inside Glow". It lets the C sink in visually.
5. Click on any level in the right menu and select "Reduce visible to one level" - the 3D logo is ready!

The instructions were tested with Adobe Photoshop CS4 under Windows 7. Also read how to create nebula using Photoshop.