I've done this many times now in FP10 and FP11 and expect this will work nearly the same in TFP12....will verify in a few days.
Definition: 2.5D object is 3D but the shape is the same along one axis (usually depth)
Typically I'm trying to show something in a project which exists in real life but is not in the files that came with the program but I can take a photo to work with.
Example: I have a framed mirror...but the frame is intricately carved and does not have a simple perimeter shape...and in this case the mirror is convex (antique).
So this is like a tutorial on how to create such an object...
1. Take a photo of the object . . . must be as "square" to the object and centered as possible so there is minimal distortion and object looks 2Dm and reasonably even but not flat lighting
2. In Photoshop, select the object outline (many easy ways to do so automatically) and convert selection to path, export path as .ai file. Also use the selection to convert all of image outside the outline to whatever is the object color at the outline edge....color should not matter but if there is any mismatch, this will cover up errors.
3. In another 3D program such as Carrara or TCAD, import the .ai outline, extrude to desired object depth, name domains to select face and sides to later apply "materials", save as .3ds
4. In FP, "import" .3ds object, apply photo image to object "face" and color surrounding edge as desired to match the original object....or apply a side/edge photo from the real object to the .3ds side(s)
5. Place object and render.
PS for a cube shaped object you can take 3 photos (top, side, front) (and back if it is not placed against a wall)....then use a cube shape .3ds object with material domains set one for each face (you may need to reverse one side image)....import and apply images to each object face.
Doug.
