Conceptualize In Three Dimensions

When working on product packaging or rendering the products themselves, a new feature in Illustrator CS may become your new best friend. I will discuss the basics of the new 3D rendering tools in Adobe Illustrator, and show an example of a product rendering done quickly with the 3D bevel.

I don’t know how many graphic designers actually have working knowledge of modeling in 3D, but I’m guessing not many do. With the inclusion of 3D capabilities in Illustrator, basic objects can be made in 3D. To use the command, go to the Effect > 3D menu. There you will find three 3D options Extrude & Bevel, Revolve, and Rotate. Todays example was made using the Extrude & Bevel Effect.

Extrusion

I had wanted to create a concept for a new iPod design, so I drew the basic shape in Illustrator as a path. Feel free to create the most complex shapes you can think of. Keep in mind, however, the more complex the shape the longer it will take for it to be rendered.

With the path selected, I clicked on the Extrude & Bevel menu selection. A dialog box opens. There you can adjust the amount of extrusion, which gives the object depth, and bevel, which changes the way the front surface connects to the back surface. Among other options, which are best learned by experimenting, are the lighting positions. Change the lights so you get a strong side light, or a bit of a backlight to soften the edges.

I created images to be mapped to the front and back faces, saved them as symbols, and loaded the on to my 3D object using the map art button. The best part about the 3D tool is everything, and I mean everything, is easily edited. Change the position to isometric top, and your object looks like it’s lying atop a table.

When your done you can expand the object, separating each individual shape into vectored objects. Relatively small file size, and infinitely scaleable.