Operation Manual

262

USING ILLUSTRATOR

Reshaping objects

Last updated 11/8/2011

Create 3D objects

3D effects enable you to create three-dimensional (3D) objects from two-dimensional (2D) artwork. You can control

the appearance of 3D objects with lighting, shading, rotation, and other properties. You can also map artwork onto

each surface of a 3D object.

There are two ways to create a 3D object: by extruding or revolving. In addition, you can also rotate a 2D or 3D object

in three dimensions. To apply or modify 3D effects for an existing 3D object, select the object and then double-click

the effect in the Appearance panel.

Note: 3D objects may display anti-aliasing artifacts on screen, but these artifacts won’t print or appear in artwork

optimized for the web.

For more information about working with 3D objects in Illustrator, see the 3D tutorials at

www.adobe.com/go/learn_ai_tutorials_3d_en. For a video on creating 3D objects, see www.adobe.com/go/vid0053.

More Help topics

3D tutorials

“Add a custom bevel path” on page 267

Create a 3D object by extruding

Extruding extends a 2D object along the object’s z axis to add depth to the object. For example, if you extrude a 2D

ellipse, it becomes a cylinder.

Note: The object’s axis always lies perpendicular to the object’s front surface and moves relative to the object if the object

is rotated in the 3D Options dialog box.

Extruding an object

1 Select the object.

2 Choose Effect > 3D > Extrude & Bevel.

3 Click More Options to view the complete list of options, or Fewer Options to hide the extra options.

4 Select Preview to preview the effect in the document window.

5 Specify options:

Position Sets how the object is rotated and the perspective from which you view it. (See “Set 3D rotation position

options” on page 264.)

Extrude & Bevel Determines the object’s depth and the extent of any bevel added to or cut from it. (See “Extrude &

Bevel options” on page 264.)

Surface Creates a wide variety of surfaces, from dull and unshaded matte surfaces to glossy and highlighted surfaces

that look like plastic. (See

“Surface shading options” on page 265.)