Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
AARON MCGARRY
At left are some images prepared for mapping to a 3D
“washer” (shown reduced in size); middle
figure shows the stroked compound path used
to enter 3D Extrude & Bevel; at right is the
3D washer with art mapped to bevels and
visible surfaces; at bottom the text art symbol
used for mapping (shown at actual scale to
the 3D object)
THE PERSPECTIVE GRID
The perspective grid allows you to create art on a ground plane representing real
world space as viewed by the human eye. Distances between edges converge as you
approach the horizon, the terminal point of our vision. This tool is useful for creating
scenes such as cityscapes where buildings or roads narrow in view as they recede
from our vision, eventually vanishing on the horizon.
With this Perspective Grid toolset you can draw dynamically within the perspective
environment itself so that shapes or objects automatically conform to the perspective
grid as you create them, or you can attach existing flat vector art to the perspective
grid by dragging selected art into the perspective grid using the Perspective Selection
tool (see warning tip
Perspective is permanent!
). You can even position the grid on
top of a reference photograph to add vector content. Symbols, text, and objects
created with Illustrator's 3D effect are also supported within the perspective
environment.
The Perspective Grid tool (left) opens the perspective grid with
grid plane controls visible; the Perspective
Selection tool (right) allows you to bring ob-
jects, text, or symbols into perspective, move
these items in perspective space, or switch
active planes
