Tutorial: How to make anaglyph (red/cyan) pictures from 3ds photos

Making anaglyph pictures to view with old-school red/cyan-glasses is pretty traightforward. Here is a simple tutorial for creating an anaglyph picture with 3ds. Only the first step is 3ds-centric, all other steps can be applied with other cameras too (But you'll need to take two photos with a regular camera).

First you obviously have to take the photo. If you use 3ds you can find the photos on card at /DCIM/100NIN03/ . 3ds saves two files named HNI_XXXX.JPG (2d) and HNI_XXX.MPO (3d). Preview the .jpg file and select corresponding .mpo to extract. You can use any software you like for extracting, but I have created a tool for that. Open these files in Photoshop and put them on different layers, left on top. Set blending mode on left picture to "Screen".

Select the right image and from select Image -> Adjustments -> Curves. Choose only the red channel and move the point from top right corner to bottom right corner. Picture should change to cyan. For the left image repeat these steps, but instead of red channel change green and blue channels.

Next you have to set the "zero-level". Choose one spot which you want to be at screen level. Move either of the pictures left or right to match the spot in both pictures. You may want to wear anaglyph glasses while searching for the perfect spot.

Now you are almost ready. Just crop the photo to desired size and enjoy your 1850's hottest new technology created with 2011's hottest new technology!

Here are some sample photos for your enjoyment (Click for bigger picture.):