XYHD.TV

How to Create Fast 3D Text – Illustrator Tutorial

Creating 3D text in Adobe Illustrator is simple and easy. We could use 3Ds Max or Maya but this way easier. I used CS3 because I haven’t had the time to install CS4. This is a good tutorial for beginners getting into the industry. This is also my first attempt to writing a tutorial, but I figure it’ll get you going. You can take the fundamentals with you and add to the project. I’ll try to include the file too! I hope that helps  ;)

1) Open Illustrator, Press [Ctrl + N] to open a new document. (Web – 800x600px – Landscape)

2) Using your Type Tool [T], create a box about half the size of the document. Type anything into the box. I’ll use XYHD.TV. My type settings were (72pt, Gill Sans MT); I also made sure to save my project.

3) Highlight the box with your arrow key [V], and move the text box to the middle of the canvas so you can see the 3D effect. Also change the color of the type from black to anything, so you can see it’s shadows. Afterward go to: Effect > 3D > Extrude & Bevel,

4) When a dialogue box pops up go to the checkbox that says preview and click that. This will allow you to see the 3D real-time while editing. This could slow down your computer if you have an older model. Going to the drop down box at the top left select from different styles which will save you time figuring out how to work the 3D model from their built in rotator. We used (Front-Axis Off), to give it a perspective of us looking down on it.

Select OK, and your finished……for now   :)

Well I hope that wasn’t too painful. Check out a piece I did using this same formula.

-- dcarmona

Tags: 3Ds Max;, Adobe;, Gill Sans MT;, Gill Sans;
Filed in: Web Design