Adobe Illustrator’s 3D Effect is a powerful tool to create many effective designs for ecommerce websites and applications.
In this tutorial, aimed at web developers seeking to increase their knowledge of Adobe Illustrator, I will show you several uses of the 3D Effect in Adobe Illustrator CS4.
The 3D Effect can be used, among other ways, to simulate 3D objects in a vector format. This technique is frequently used to create three-dimensional icons—a technique I will be demonstrating in future icon tutorials.
In this tutorial, I will show you how to use the Rotate, Revolve, and Extrude and Bevel options of the 3D Effect. First, the Rotate tool will allow you to take a two dimensional path and rotate it as if it were in a three-dimensional plane. The Rotate tool will also allow you to change the perspective of your rotated object.
Next, I will show you how to use Revolve tool, which allows you to rotate an object around a center axis, giving it a three-dimensional feel. I will show how to manipulate this tool using Angle, Cap, Lighting, and Blending steps.
Finally, I will show you how to use Extrude and Bevel to create a three dimensional object out of a two dimensional shape. I will also show you how to use different bevel and lighting options to manipulate your new 3D shape. I will you show you how 3D objects can be expanded into editable shapes. In addition, I will also show you some of the nuances associated with gradients and strokes when adding the 3D effect.
By the end of this tutorial, you should have a better understanding of how to use the 3D Effect in Adobe Illustrator and some of the ways it can be used.
