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NotiriousHDP
Participant
October 18, 2022
Answered

3D can't convert to shapes in 2023

  • October 18, 2022
  • 2 replies
  • 7427 views

I often need to do a 3D extrusion in Illustrator, which I then do 'expand appearance' on. This turns the 3D into a series of individual shapes that I can ungroup and take apart. I notice this doesn't work anymore in Illustrator 2023. Any tips? Thank you!

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer Anshul_Saini

    Hi @crabtree333 & @NotiriousHDP,

     

    Thanks for reaching out. This is not the experience we want you to have. The New 3D feature uses complex effects like materials, ray tracing, etc., which limits its expanding & editing capabilities outside the 3D & Materials panel.

     

    However, we have tried to provide as much customization as possible under the "3D and material" panel > properties & Lightning section.

     

    \

     

    Here are three outcomes of expanding new 3D objects:

     

    • Expand appearance to get a Raster image



    • Redner as a vector under 3D & Material render settings, then expand appearance, but the output would be a non-editable vector. But it will be more suitable for printing or scaling objects than a raster image.

       

       

    • Expand as wireframes from 3D & Materials panel > Object > Expand as Wireframes.

       

    Please feel free to reach out if you run into any other queries. We'd be happy to help.

     

    Thanks,

    Anshul Saini

    2 replies

    Anshul_Saini
    Community Manager
    Anshul_SainiCommunity Manager
    Community Manager
    October 18, 2022

    Hi @NotiriousHDP,

     

    Thanks for reaching out. This can be done using the "3D (Classic)" under 3D & material sub-menu.

    Feel free to reach out if you need further assistance. We'd be happy to help.

     

    Regards,
    Anshul Saini

      N
      NotiriousHDPAuthor
      Participant
      October 18, 2022

      Got it - I was trying to extrude a shape I'd made in the 3d Palette - that's where it wouldn't extrude from.

        Anshul_Saini
        Community Manager
        Anshul_SainiCommunity Manager
        Community Manager
        October 20, 2022

        Glad to hear that you figured it out, @NotiriousHDP. Please feel free to reach out if you run into any other issues or queries in future. We'd be happy to help.

         

        Regards,

        Anshul Saini

        Ton Frederiks
        Community Expert
        Ton FrederiksCommunity Expert
        Community Expert
        October 18, 2022

        Which 3D effect are you using?

        The 3D & Materials or the 3D (Classic)?

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