Adobe Illustrator: Transform a 2D vector into a 3D object

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The ability to convert a 2D vector into a 3D object has been available in Illustrator for some time. However, in this tutorial, I will be using '3D and Materials' instead of '3D (Classic)'. Additionally, I will employ graphic styles to apply the 3D effect to other objects.

Go from 2D to 3D using 3D and Materials

I will start from a vector object I've already created; however, any vector shape should work using the following steps.

1. Create or import a 2D vector
   
   

   1. I will start by creating a new document, using the web preset, setting the dimensions to 1024px W x H, and saving.

   2. I will add a rectangle shape to my background, set it to #111111, name the layer 'background', and then create a new layer.

   3. Instead of creating a new vector shape or logo, I will import an existing logo by opening the SVG file (either from a local folder or Creative Cloud Library), copying and pasting it onto a new layer, and resizing it to 480px wide while maintaining the aspect ratio.

   4. I'll name this layer 'logo' and merge the vector shapes by going to Object > Compound Path > Make.

   5. Set the fill to a gradient with the colours #ff057a and #059fff, and set the angle to 30°.

   6. I will adjust the gradient fill location when in 3D.
      
      

2. Transform to 3D
   
   

   1. With the vector shape (logo) selected, I'll choose Effect > 3D and Materials > Extrude & Bevel.

   2. Under 'Object', I'll select 'Extrude', set the depth to 48px, and set the Bevel to 'Round' with a width and height of 10%. I'll also leave the rotation as 'Off-Axis Front'.

   3. Under Materials, I'm leaving the default value and setting the roughness to 0,5.

   4. Under Lighting, I will customise to my liking with the following settings: Colour = White, Intensity = 160%, Rotation = 145 °, Height = 15 °, Softness = 80%, Ambient light intensity = 90%, and turn shadows off.

   5. For the rendering settings, I will enable ray tracing, set the quality to high, and select 'reduce noise'.

   6. I will turn on Real-time preview to see the result.
      
      

3. Save and apply graphic style (optional)
   
   

   1. Open the 'Graphic Styles' Panel by going to Window > Graphic Styles

   2. With the 3D Object selected, save the graphic style by choosing 'New graphic style'

   3. I can now apply the same graphic style to any vector shape.
      
      

4. Export as a 3D object or an image
   
   

   1. In the '3D and Materials' panel, with the 3D object selected, select Export 3D objects.

   2. In the Asset Export panel, select the 3D asset and choose a 3D format, such as OBJ. Then, add an additional format, such as PNG.

   3. Alternatively, you can go to File > Export > Export for Screens... or Export As... to export an image.

Conclusion

Converting from 2D vectors to 3D is quite simple in Adobe Illustrator. However, once you apply the 3D and Materials effects, you cannot export as a vector; instead, you can choose to export as a 3D object or image. With 3D Classic, you can still keep a vector shape by selecting Object > Expand appearance and then exporting your artwork as a vector asset.

Watch the full walkthrough video above for a visual guide through every step.

Tech Specs:

macOS Sequoia 15.7.1
Adobe Illustrator 29.8.2

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This article contains original content. However, AI may have been used to generate content from transcripts or to correct the grammar, spelling, and formatting of existing content.