Integrating 3D Graphics in Flash - Flash 3D: Animation, Interactivity, and Games - page 342

Revolving a 2D object sweeps a path in a circular direction around the y-axis to create
a 3D object. Figure 10.2 illustrates a revolved object, a wine glass. We start with a
profile that defines half the glass shape. The symmetrical wine glass is created by
sweeping the profile path around the y-axis.
y-axis
Figure 10.2 Revolving a 2D profile to create a symmetrical 3D object
Using Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Illustrator has tools that create 3D vector objects. These 3D graphics can be
imported into Flash. Let's walk through a typical example, 3D extruded text. The text
tool allows you to create the text. With the text selected, choose Effect > 3D > Extrude
& Bevel to open the 3D tool's options dialog box. Options include Position, Extrude &
Bevel, and Surface settings (Figure 10.3).
Position allows you to rotate and change the perspective of the 3D extrusion. There are
several preset positions that can be selected from a drop-down menu. Click and drag
on the 3D cube to rotate the object to any custom angle. The blue face of the cube rep-
resents the front of the 3D object. The light gray face is the top. Numerical adjustments
can also be entered using the three rotation text boxes. Perspective can be adjusted
from 0 and 160 in the Perspective text box. A small number illustrates the effects of a
telephoto camera lens; a larger number simulates a wide-angle camera lens.