Mastering 3D Stroke Effects In Adobe: A Beginner's Guide

Adobe Illustrator is a powerful tool for creating and manipulating 3D objects and adding various effects, such as 3D strokes. There are two primary ways to create 3D objects in Illustrator: extrusion and revolution. Extrusion extends a 2D object along its z-axis to add depth, while revolution sweeps a path or profile around a central axis to create a 3D shape. Users can also add 3D strokes to objects using the Stroke panel, adjusting features such as weight, alignment, and dash sequence. Additionally, the Width tool allows for the creation of variable-width strokes, offering further customization. For those seeking to create 3D text effects, a combination of tools and features, such as the Type tool, Fill and Stroke color, and Pen tool, can be utilized to achieve the desired outcome.

Create a 3D stroke using the Extrude & Bevel option

To create a 3D stroke in Adobe Illustrator, you can use the Extrude & Bevel option. This effect allows you to add depth to a 2D object by extending it along its z-axis. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to create a 3D stroke using Extrude & Bevel:

Step 1: Create Your 2D Object

Start by creating the 2D object that you want to turn into a 3D stroke. This could be a simple shape, like a rectangle or a circle, or a more complex object. Make sure your object has a stroke, as this will be the basis for your 3D effect.

Step 2: Apply the Extrude & Bevel Effect

Select your 2D object and go to "Effect" > "3D (Classic)" > "Extrude & Bevel (Classic)". This will open the Extrude & Bevel options dialog box.

Step 3: Set the Extrude & Bevel Options

In the dialog box, you'll see various options to customize your 3D stroke:

• Preview: Check the "Preview" box to see the effect in the document window as you make changes.
• Rotation and Perspective: Set how the object is rotated and the perspective from which you view it. You can use the preset positions or drag the track cube to adjust the rotation.
• Extrude & Bevel Depth: Determine the object's depth and the extent of any bevel. You can add a bevel to the object or cut it from the object.
• Surface Shading: Choose from a variety of surface shading options to create different effects, such as dull matte surfaces or glossy, plastic-like surfaces.
• Lighting: Add and adjust lights to create dramatic effects. You can change the light intensity, move lights around the object, and adjust the object's shading colour.

Step 4: Fine-Tune Your 3D Stroke

Play around with the different options in the Extrude & Bevel dialog box to achieve the desired look for your 3D stroke. You can also add multiple lights and adjust their positions and intensities to create more complex lighting effects.

Step 5: Map Artwork (Optional)

If you want to add artwork to the surfaces of your 3D stroke, you can use the Map Artwork feature. Select your 3D object, double-click the "3D Extrude & Bevel" effect in the Appearance panel, and choose the artwork you want to map to each surface.

By following these steps, you can create a 3D stroke using the Extrude & Bevel option in Adobe Illustrator, allowing you to add depth and dimension to your designs.

Create a 3D stroke using the Revolve option

To create a 3D stroke using the Revolve option in Adobe Illustrator, follow these steps:

• Create a 2D shape or path: Using tools such as the Pen tool, Pencil tool, or Ellipse tool, design the profile or contour of the object you want to turn into a 3D stroke. This can be done by tracing an image, using existing vector paths, or drawing the shape manually. Ensure that the open end of the profile is on the left, as it will become the axis for the shape to revolve around.
• Prepare the shape: Fill the shape with the desired colour and set the stroke to none. Alternatively, you can apply a stroke to the contour, especially if you want to create a hollow 3D object. Adjust the stroke weight, cap, and join settings as needed.
• Convert the shape to outline: Go to "Object" > "Flatten Transparency" and select "Convert All Strokes to Outlines." This will convert the stroked path into a filled path without changing its shape. This step is important, especially if you want to alter the inside of the object differently from the outside.
• Select the shape: Use the Selection tool to select the shape you want to turn into a 3D stroke.
• Apply the Revolve effect: Go to "Effect" > "3D" > "Revolve." This will open the 3D Revolve Options dialog box. Here, you can adjust various settings to create your 3D stroke.
• Set up the preview: In the 3D Revolve Options dialog box, turn on the "Preview" checkbox. This will allow you to see the changes in real-time as you adjust the settings.
• Specify the revolve axis: Choose either the "Left Edge" or "Right Edge" as the axis for your object to revolve around. This will determine the direction in which the shape revolves.
• Adjust the rotation and perspective: Use the cube under the "3D Revolve Options" dialog to manually rotate and adjust the perspective of your object. You can also use the "Position" dropdown to select from preset positions.
• Choose surface shading: Under the "Surface" group, select the desired surface shading type for your object. Options include "Wireframe," "No Shading," "Diffuse Shading," and "Plastic Shading."
• Set the revolve angle: Specify the number of degrees for your path to revolve. Typically, 360 degrees is used to create a full revolution.
• Adjust the cap: Choose whether to turn the cap on for a solid appearance or turn it off for a hollow appearance.
• Modify the offset: Use the "Offset" parameter to increase or decrease the distance between the revolve axis and the path.
• Map artwork (optional): If you want to map artwork or symbols onto the surface of your 3D stroke, click the "Map Art" button. Select the surface for mapping, choose the symbol or artwork you want to map, and adjust its position and size.
• Tweak lighting settings: Under the "Surface" group, adjust lighting settings such as "Light Intensity," "Ambient Light," "Highlight Intensity," and "Highlight Size" to achieve the desired lighting effect on your 3D stroke.
• Finalize and apply: Once you are happy with the settings and preview, click "OK" to apply the 3D Revolve effect and create your 3D stroke.

By following these steps, you can create a 3D stroke using the Revolve option in Adobe Illustrator, allowing you to transform a 2D shape into a three-dimensional object with various customization options.

Map artwork onto a 3D object

Mapping artwork onto a 3D object in Adobe Illustrator can be done using the 3D Revolve filter. This process involves creating a 3D object, mapping the artwork, and then rendering the final image.

Firstly, you need to create a 3D object to which you can map your artwork. This can be done by extruding or revolving a 2D object. For example, to create a globe, you would start by creating a blue sphere. You can then apply the 3D Revolve filter to add another instance or edit the existing instance.

Next, you need to map your artwork to the 3D object. This involves selecting the artwork you want to use and adding it to the 3D object. You can use any existing symbols or create new graphics to apply as a map to each 3D surface. To do this, select the artwork from your Illustrator document, go to Window > 3D and Materials, and click on the Materials tab. From here, you can either click "Add as Single Graphic" or drag and drop the graphic into the 3D panel.

Once you have added your graphic, select the 3D object and go to Graphics > All Materials & Graphics panel. Click on the graphic to apply it as a map to the 3D object. You can then use the Scale and Rotation sliders to move the graphic around the 3D object.

Finally, you can render the 3D object along with the mapped artwork as a vector. This will give you the final image with the artwork mapped onto the 3D object.

It is important to note that you can only map 2D artwork stored in the Symbols panel to a 3D object. Additionally, the artwork must be converted into a symbol before it can be mapped. This can be done by dragging the artwork into the Symbols palette or by opening the Symbol palette options menu and choosing New Symbol.

Create a 3D text effect

There are several ways to create 3D text effects in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to achieve this effect using these programs:

Adobe Illustrator:

• Create a new document: Go to File > New or use the keyboard shortcut Control-N. Set the document size to 850px by 600px and select Pixels as the unit of measurement. Choose RGB for the colour mode and set the Raster Effects to Screen (72 ppi).
• Add a background: Select the Rectangle Tool (M) and remove the stroke colour. Set the fill colour to R=255, G=180, B=0. Click on your artboard and set the width and height of the rectangle to 870px and 630px, respectively.
• Add your text: Choose the Type Tool (T) and select the Etna font from the Character panel (Window > Type > Character). Set the font size to 250px and the tracking to 100. Add your desired text and set the colour to R=255, G=150, B=0.
• Duplicate the text: Copy your text by selecting it and pressing Control-C. You will need this copy later.
• Apply the 3D effect: With your text still selected, go to Effect > 3D > Rotate and enter the desired attributes.
• Expand the appearance: Go to Object > Expand Appearance. You will now need to ungroup the newly created group by pressing Shift-Control-G.
• Release the clipping mask: To do this, press Alt-Control-7. Then, ungroup the resulting group by pressing Shift-Control-G again.
• Delete the shape surrounding the text: Select and delete the shape that surrounds your entire text.
• Create a compound path: Select the shapes that make up your text and turn them into a compound path by going to Object > Compound Path > Make or by pressing Control-8.
• Add a drop shadow: With the compound path selected, go to Effect > Stylize > Drop Shadow and enter the desired attributes.
• Paste the copied text: Press Control-F to paste the text copy in the same place. Change the text colour to R=153, G=153, B=153.
• Apply the Extrude & Bevel effect: With the grey text selected, go to Effect > 3D > Extrude & Bevel and click the More Options button. Enter the desired attributes, ensuring that the "Draw Hidden Faces" box is checked.
• Expand the appearance again: Go to Object > Expand Appearance.
• Delete the front side of the text: Select the Direct Selection Tool (A) and delete the shapes that make up the front side of the text.
• Align the text: Using the Move Tool (V), select the group of shapes and the orange compound path. Click on the edge of the compound path to highlight it, then click the Vertical Align Top button from the Align panel (Window > Align).
• Create a copy of the compound path: With the orange compound path selected, go to the Layers panel (Window > Layers) and create a copy in front (Control-C > Control-F). Bring this copy to the front by pressing Shift-Control-].
• Fill the new shape with white: Select the new shape and fill it with white (R=255, G=255, B=255). Remove the Drop Shadow effect from the Appearance panel.
• Create a mask: With the white compound path and the group of shapes selected, click the Make Mask button from the Transparency panel (Window > Transparency).
• Change the blending mode: With the masked group selected, change the Blending Mode to Exclusion.
• Add a subtle texture: Create a copy of the yellow rectangle by selecting it and pressing Control-C > Control-F. Bring this copy to the front by pressing

Apply a stroke colour, width or alignment

To apply a stroke colour, width, or alignment in Adobe Illustrator, follow these steps:

• Select the object. If you're working with a Live Paint group, use the Live Paint Selection tool to select an edge.
• Click the Stroke box in the toolbar, the Color panel, or the Control panel to indicate that you want to apply a stroke.
• Choose a colour from the Color panel or a swatch from the Swatches panel or Control panel. Alternatively, double-click the Stroke box to open the Color Picker and select a colour.
• If you want to use the current colour in the Stroke box, simply drag the colour from the Stroke box onto the object. Please note that dragging does not work on Live Paint groups.
• Select a weight or width for your stroke in the Strokes panel or Control panel.
• If your object is a closed path (not a Live Paint group), choose a stroke alignment option from the Stroke panel: Align Stroke To Center, Align Stroke To Inside, or Align Stroke To Outside.

These options determine the placement of the stroke in relation to the path. The default option in the current Illustrator version is Align Stroke To Inside, while some earlier versions used Align Stroke To Center as the default.

Remember to ensure consistent path alignment settings if you need the edges of your paths to align perfectly. Additionally, when creating strokes, you can use the Width tool in the toolbar to create variable-width strokes and save them as profiles for future use.

Frequently asked questions