Applying 3D Extrude & Bevel

Tute: Applying 3D Extrude & Bevel

STEP ONE:
Start by creating a New Illustrator Document (Control + N), name it “3D Text”, and give it a size of 500px by 200px.
Next, open the LAYERS panel and rename “Layer 1” as “background”. On this layer we are going to create a background pattern for our 3D Text. Double click the Rectangle Tool (M) to open its dialog box, enter 500px for its width and 200px for its height. Fill the rectangle with any pattern that you like.
I filled mine with a light dotted pattern:­

When you have finished I suggest you Lock the layer.
STEP TWO:
Create a New Layer and name it: “3D”. Select the Type Tool (T) and write 3D. Make sure to choose a bold font, I used Franklin Gothic Heavy of 140 points.

Now, convert the text to outlines. Select the 3D word, go to Type > Create Outlines.
When we convert the text to outlines Illustrator changes it into a shape, so we can easily work with it.

STEP THREE:
Time to add the 3D effect! With the 3D shape selected, go to Effect > 3D > Extrude & Bevel. At the 3D Extrude & Bevel Options dialog box don’t change anything, just click OK.

With the shape selected, click any color on the COLOR panel. Notice that the color will automatically be applied.
STEP FOUR:
Now I am going to add another word, but with a different 3D style. Create a New Layer, name it “text”. Select the Type Tool (T) and write Text. This time I am going to use Cambria Bold of 140 points.

Now, convert the text to outlines. Select the Text word, go to Type > Create Outlines.
STEP FIVE:
We are going to add the 3D effect to our Text shape. Go to Effect > 3D > Extrude & Bevel. Let’s create a different 3D look this time; change the following settings:

STEP SIX:
Our Text shape looks plain, let’s enhance it by adding color and a shading effect.
First, we need to expand its appearance. We can do this by going to Object > Expand Appearance.
After changing its appearance the shape will look like this:

Note: I changed its color to brown.
Second, Select the Text shape and go to Object > Ungroup. To shade the sides of the shape, select the Direct Selection Tool (A), select the inner shapes and apply a darker color to them.

STEP SEVEN:
Now that we have our 3D Text ready, let’s play around with their sizes, and create a nice layout.

Congratulations, you have learned how to apply the Extrude & Bevel effect to create 3D Text Design!
I recommend that you continue practicing with the Extrude & Bevel effect with other shapes or typefaces. Have fun!
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