How to Create Realistic 3D Text in Illustrator

How to Create Realistic 3D Text in Illustrator

If you're looking to get more out of Illustrator's 3D settings, then this article is for you. In this guide, I will show you how to make 3D bubbly text in Illustrator. Let's dive in!

Step 1: Setting Up the Text

1. Select the Type Tool: Start by selecting the Type Tool in Illustrator. Type in whatever text you want.
2. Scale the Text: Press Shift+Alt and scale up the text size.
3. Choose a Font: For this tutorial, I chose the Kelsey Bubble font. You can find this by typing "Kelsey Bubble" in the font selection menu.
4. Create Outlines: Right-click on the text and select "Create Outlines." This converts your text into vector shapes.
5. Recolor the Fill: Choose a color fill of your preference. For this example, I went with a blue fill.

Step 2: 3D Settings and Materials

1. Access 3D and Materials Settings: Go to the "3D and Materials" panel. If you don't see it, navigate to Window > 3D and Materials.
2. Apply Inflate Effect: Under the "Object" section, click on "Inflate."
3. Adjust Base Properties:
   • Metallic: Increase the metallic value to around 0.50. This will add a hard metallic contrast.
   • Roughness: Adjust the roughness to make the texture look more plasticky. You can decrease the metallic slightly to see how it affects the text.

Step 3: Lighting and Shadows

1. **Adjust Lighting:** Use the lighting circle to tweak the light direction and angles until you are satisfied with how it illuminates the text.
2. Activate Ray Tracing: Enable ray tracing to see a realistic rendering of the 3D text.
3. Enable Shadows:
   • Scroll down to find the shadow settings.
   • Activate the shadow option to add more realistic reflections and shadows, making the 3D text appear more lifelike.

Congratulations! You've successfully created realistic 3D bubbly text in Adobe Illustrator. Now let's move on to some additional content you might find useful.

Keywords

• Illustrator
• 3D Text
• Bubbly Text
• Kelsey Bubble Font
• Metallic Effect
• Roughness
• Inflate Effect
• Lighting
• Shadows

FAQ

Q1: How do I access the 3D and Materials settings in Illustrator?

A: You can access the 3D and Materials settings by navigating to Window > 3D and Materials.

Q2: What font is used in this tutorial?

A: The tutorial uses the Kelsey Bubble font to achieve the bubbly text effect.

Q3: How can I make the text look more metallic?

A: Increase the metallic value to around 0.50 in the base properties under the 3D and Materials panel.

Q4: What does activating the shadow option do?

A: Activating the shadow option adds more realistic reflections and shadows, making the 3D text appear more lifelike.

Q5: How do I tweak the lighting for the text?

A: Use the lighting circle to adjust the direction and angles of the light until you are satisfied with the illumination.

Q6: Is it necessary to enable ray tracing?

A: Enabling ray tracing provides a more realistic rendering of the 3D text, but you can disable it to work more efficiently and enable it again for the final render.

Thank you for reading this guide on creating realistic 3D text in Illustrator! If you want to learn more advanced techniques and take your skills to the next level, consider checking out my Patreon page for exclusive content. Happy designing!