Adobe Photoshop users furious after v22.5 update removed Spherical Panorama & other 3D features, but there's a workaround

Adobe Photoshop is the most popular photo editing software available in the market. The app is used by millions worldwide because of its versatility and ease of use.

First available in 1988, Adobe Photoshop was last updated on August 17, 2021. Over the years, the software has added and removed several features via new updates, and this latest edition is no different.

In the last decade, users have enjoyed the plethora of 3D features the app has to offer. However, with the release of the latest Photoshop 22.5, Adobe decided that it was time to ditch the features.

Create amazing images, graphics, composites, paintings, and 3D artwork on your desktop and iPad with the world’s most powerful imaging and design software. If you can dream it, you can make it with Photoshop.
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Adobe said they are removing the 3D features and Spherical Panorama from Photoshop because the industry is rapidly adopting native GPU APIs instead of opting for OpenGL.

To compensate for the same, the company said that the 3D features are being replaced by a new application called Adobe Substance 3D.

The Substance 3D lineup makes use of Native GPU APIs, which are comparatively faster than OpenGL and also offer more features compared to the existing solution.

Back in May, when users reported that the 3D features such as Spherical Panorama and Lighting Effects were not working, Adobe acknowledged that it was an issue that they were aware of.

We’re sorry for the 3D render issue in Photoshop 22.4. We have acknowledged this issue and our team is working on it.

The developers even suggested a workaround, saying that users should use the Tech Preview if they wanted to use the 3D features. But it seems this was an early sign that users missed.

And now that the 3D features have suddenly been removed from Adobe Photoshop, many users are furious over the company’s decision. Below are some of the rants affected users posted in the community forum.

If the spherical panorama will no longer be supported you will loose this customer right here. Bad move Adobe, bad move!
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I just spent $270 to double my memory because I have been having issues with 3D. I was getting “not enough memory” and other messages. Now I find out it was not my computer having problems at all. I am NOT happy!!! And no, I cannot afford Substance Line, I could ill afford the memory. I might just go back to CS6 and Lightroom instead of subscription.
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But the workaround suggested by Adobe doesn’t seem to be working on the latest v22.5. However, users said that they were able to use 3D features and Spherical Panorama by downgrading Photoshop to v22.3.1.

A lot of people and products still make use of the 3D features offered by Photoshop. And perhaps it would have been better for Adobe to wait a little longer before removing the 3D features from Photoshop.

Or maybe they should have given users the option to choose so that people can have the best of both worlds.

Note: We have more such stories in our dedicated Apps Section so be sure to follow them as well.

Featured image source: Adobe

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