How to Use 3D in Illustrator

3D can be applied to objects with open or closed paths.

Illustrator's 3D effects can make a two-dimensional object three-dimensional using two effects called extruding and beveling. The object can be modified to accommodate lighting, shading, rotation and even artwork. When extruding is applied to an object the object's z axis adds depth. The revolving effect creates depth by creating a 3D illusion along the y axis of the object. The 3D effect has much to offer as a graphics tool.

Instructions

3D - Extruding

1. Select the Rectangle Tool from the tools panel. Click on the artboard, and set the width and height to 2 inches. Click "OK."

2. Go to "Effect," "3D" and "Extrude & Bevel."

3. Set the values for the object's x-axis at -18, y-axis at -26 and z-axis at 8.

4. Set the Extrude Depth to 173. Next to Extrude Depth, change the cap to hollow. This will cut out the center of the square.

5. Check the preview box and click "Map Art." We're going to place artwork on the surfaces of the four sides.

6. Click "Symbol" and scroll through the artwork. Click on a piece, and it will preview in the box below and on the artboard. If it needs to be resized, select "Scale to Fit" in the box left of the dialog box.

7. Click the right arrow on the "Surface" field at the top of the box to go to side two. Click the symbol arrow and apply the same art as on side or another art pieces. Continue until artwork is on all four sides of the square, then click "OK."

3D - Revolving

1. Click the Rectangle Tool from the tools panel. Click on the artboard, and set the width and height to 2 inches. Click "OK."

2. Click the Line Tool. Draw a straight line down the center of the square. Hold shift to make the line straight.

3. Select the Selection Tool and select the line and the square. Click the "Divide" command in the Pathfinders panel. If Pathfinder is not open, go to "Window" and "Pathfinder."

4. Select Direct Selection Tool. Click one of the shapes created from dividing the square. Delete one by hitting "Delete" on the keyboard.

5. Click none for the Fill and place color on the stroke. Select the Direct Selection Tool and click on the left line of the object, then delete.

6. Go to "Effect," "3D" and "Revolve." Set the x-axis at -18, y-axis at -26 and z-axis at 8. Click "OK." The square evolved into a 3D cylinder.

References

• Adobe Illustrator: Creating 3D in Illustrator

Resources

• Six Revisions: Illustrator 3D tutorials and techniques