How Do I Make a 360 Image in Photoshop?

September 8, 2023 photoshop

Creating a 360 image in Photoshop can be a fascinating and creative way to capture and share a full panoramic view. With the right tools and techniques, you can transform your regular images into immersive experiences that truly captivate your audience. In this tutorial, we will explore step-by-step how to make a 360 image in Photoshop, so let's get started!

Step 1: Choose the Right Image

To create a stunning 360 image, it's essential to start with a high-resolution photograph that has a wide field of view. Look for images that capture scenic landscapes or spacious interiors, as they work exceptionally well for this purpose.

Step 2: Open the Image in Photoshop

Open Adobe Photoshop on your computer and import the chosen image by navigating to File -> Open or using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+O (Command+O on Mac). Locate your image file in the browser window and click "Open" to import it into Photoshop.

Step 3: Duplicate the Background Layer

To preserve your original image while making adjustments, it's crucial to create a duplicate layer. Right-click on the background layer (located in the Layers panel) and select "Duplicate Layer." Alternatively, you can drag the background layer onto the "Create New Layer" icon at the bottom of the Layers panel.

Step 4: Convert to Smart Object

In order to apply filters non-destructively and maintain flexibility throughout our workflow, we need to convert our duplicated layer into a smart object. Right-click on the duplicated layer and choose "Convert to Smart Object."

Step 5: Apply Filter - Polar Coordinates

The next step involves applying a filter to transform our image into a 360-degree panoramic view. From the menu, go to Filter -> Distort -> Polar Coordinates. In the dialog box that appears, select the "Rectangular to Polar" option and click "OK."

Step 6: Adjust and Fine-tune

At this stage, you may notice some distortion or gaps in your image. To fix these issues, use the Clone Stamp tool (S) or the Healing Brush tool (J) to seamlessly blend any irregularities. Additionally, you can use the Crop tool (C) to remove any unwanted edges or empty spaces.

Step 7: Save Your 360 Image

Once you are satisfied with your adjustments, it's time to save your completed 360 image. Go to File -> Save As and choose a file format that supports spherical images, such as JPEG or PNG.

Tips:

Experiment with Filters: Feel free to explore other filters in Photoshop's Distort menu, such as Spherize or Twirl, to add unique effects and personal touches.
Add Metadata: If you intend to upload your 360 image onto platforms like Facebook or Flickr, consider adding metadata using specialized software like Exif Pilot or Photoshop's built-in metadata editor.
Showcase Your Creation: Share your newly created 360 image on social media platforms or embed it on your website using dedicated plugins for an immersive viewing experience.

Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to make a captivating 360 image in Photoshop. With practice and creativity, you can continue exploring this exciting medium and produce stunning visuals that leave a lasting impression on your viewers.

Note: Remember to always respect copyright laws and only use images that you have permission to modify and share.