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j0hnb0y · Joined: 17 Dec 2009 Posts: 6

Hi guys

I want to have a go at some 3d designs and at the moment I am using Adobe Illustrator CS5 but I have found that it leaves jagged edges which SS reject....So if anyone can point me in the right direction as I don't want to spend loads of money on something that might not be any good
It would be greatly appreciated TIA

theohrm · Joined: 16 Aug 2009 Posts: 457 Location: Ireland

3d designs as Vectors?

Maybe you're just not using Illustrator correctly. Maybe post some pictures so we can see what the problem is. Somebody might have some tips for you.

Failing that, if you were looking to do 3d renders of objects (submitting Jpeg only) Blender is a very good open source program (ie, free) which you could download to play with and see if that does what you're trying to do.

j0hnb0y · Joined: 17 Dec 2009 Posts: 6

Sorry being a noob I think I used the wrong terminology, what I wanted to do was make a 3d beach ball in illustrator but every time I try the edges are jagged when viewed at 100% magnification....I have my art board set at 300dpi when I create a new file but dont know what else to try :(

apotterdd · Posted: Tue May 08, 2012 12:00 pm

Blender is an open source 3d program that's free. Takes some time to learn it though. You can download it at http://www.blender.org

Illustrators 3d tools aren't the best. Severe banding and just like you said jagged edges.

theohrm · Joined: 16 Aug 2009 Posts: 457 Location: Ireland

Perhaps use Illustrator's 3d tools to create a mockup which you can use to create a proper vector with gradient meshes and stuff?

Yea. I know exactly what I'm talking about.

michaeldb · Joined: 09 Sep 2005 Posts: 1178 Location: Helena, MT

I have used the 3D render tool in Illustrator CS3 to create a lot of vector images which I have submitted here at SS. The render tool is kind of primitive and the renders which it create can have a lot of problems:
-open paths (but you can close these)
-crazy clipping paths (you have to delete these)
-tiny, almost invisible, spaces between shapes, which cause printers lots of problems (there are ways to work around these too)

My advice would be to start simple. Create a rectangle and use the Illustrator 3D tool to 'extrude' the rectangle into a box. Then make a 'stack' of rectangles and try turning them into a stack of boxes (hint: they will have to be grouped).

Play with the render tool and you can eventually get some useful results. That's what I did.

hinterlander · Joined: 02 Sep 2011 Posts: 1

Hey j0hnb0y, If you want a piece of 3D software that is easy to use try Google Sketchup. http://sketchup.google.com/
It's easier than blender to get started with, not so good for organic shapes but there are plenty of plugins for it.
If you want good renderings from it add Kerkythea.http://www.kerkythea.net/joomla/ Jobs a good un.