Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Extruding an object using the Effect> 3D> Extrude & Bevel dialog
—the two-dimensional object on the left was
extruded to create the three-dimensional ver-
sion on the right
To begin, think of Illustrator's horizontal ruler as the X axis and the vertical ruler as
the Y axis. Now imagine a third dimension that extends back into space,
perpendicular to the flat surface of your monitor. This is the Z axis. There are two
ways to create a 3D shape using 3D effects. The first method is by extruding a 2D
object back into space along the Z axis, and the second is by revolving a 2D object
around its Y axis, up to 360°.
Don't worry about the ° symbol
The degree symbol automatically inserts after entering a value into 3D dialog rotation
text fields.
To apply a 3D effect to a selected object, choose one of the 3D effects from the fx icon
in the Appearance panel (or via the Effects menu). (To simplify the instructions
throughout this chapter, we'll be using the convention “choose Effect> 3D”.) Once
you apply a 3D effect to an object, it will show up in the Appearance panel. As with
other appearance attributes, you can edit the effect, change the position of the effect
in the panel's stacking order, and duplicate or delete the effect. You can also save 3D
effects as reusable graphic styles so that you can apply the same effect to a batch of
objects. Once the style has been applied, you can modify any of the style parameters
by clicking the underlined effect name in the Appearance panel or double-clicking
the fx icon to the right of the effect name. Editing the 2D path will update the 3D
rendering. Following are a few of the key parameters for working in the different
kinds of 3D:
To extrude a 2D object, begin by creating a path; the path can be open or closed, and
can contain a stroke, a fill, or both (if your shape contains a fill, it's best to begin with
a solid color, not a gradient or pattern). With your path selected, choose Extrude &
Bevel from the Effect> 3D submenu. In the lower portion of the dialog, enter a point
size for depth for your object in the Extrude Depth field, or drag the slider. Adding a
cap to your object makes the ends appear solid; disabling the cap option makes your
object appear hollow (see first two figures at left).
You can choose from ten different bevels to style the edges of your object; bevels can
be added to the original using Bevel Extent Out, or carved out of the original using
Bevel Extent In (second pair of figures Bevel Extents ).
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