How to Map Artwork Onto 3D Objects With Illustrator

Create realistic 3D objects by adding artwork.

Adding artwork to 3D objects in Illustrator can make your 3D art even more realistic. For example, you can add a label around a bottle, 2D continents around a globe or a picture to the side of a box. The artwork must be a symbol before it can be mapped onto an object. Once the artwork is a symbol, you can map the artwork from within the 3D effects dialog box. Illustrator allows you to map artwork to any surface of the 3D object. On revolved objects, Illustrator automatically wraps the artwork around the object.

Instructions

Convert Artwork to a Symbol

1. Open the artwork in Adobe Illustrator. Click on the “File” menu and select “Open.” Navigate to the desired artwork and click “OK.”

2. Select the artwork. Click on the “Object” menu and select “Group.”

3. Press “Ctrl” and “C” to copy the artwork.

4. Open the illustration that contains the 3D object. Press “Ctrl” and “V” to paste the artwork.

5. Click on the “Window” menu and select “Symbol” to open the Symbol panel. Drag the artwork into the Symbol panel. Select “Graphic” from the “Type” drop-down menu.

6. Select the artwork and press “Delete” to remove the artwork from the 3D object illustration.

Map Artwork

1. Select the 3D object.

2. Click on the “Window” menu and select “Appearance” to open the Appearance panel.

3. Click on “3D Extrude & Bevel” or “3D Revolve” in the Appearance panel. The 3D effect dialog box opens. Drag the dialog box so that you can see the 3D object.

4. Click on the “Map Artwork” button. Click on the “Preview” check box.

5. Scroll through the “Surface” numbers to select the desired surface where you want to map your artwork.

6. Click on the “Symbol” drop-down menu and select the desired artwork. The artwork appears in the 3D object in the illustration.

7. Position the cursor on the corner of the artwork until a double arrow appears. Click and drag to resize the artwork.

8. Click and drag from the middle of the artwork to reposition it.

References

• Adobe Illustrator CS5: Map Artwork to a 3D Object
• CreativePro.com: How to Map Artwork onto 3D Obejects with Illustrator
• Peachpit: Mapping Artwork Onto 3D Effects in Illustrator