Expand 3D object without rasterization?

Forum|Forum|3 years ago
June 23, 2022
4 replies
3651 views

Is there a way to Object/Expand the new 3D and Materials effects to a vector object? All I'm getting is a raster, which is no good. I want to recolor and adjust parts of the 3D object after the fact. A raster image is useless.

With the old "3D Classic" effects you could expand the effect to get a vector equivalent. It wasn't perfect but it would output the simulated 3D effect in vector shapes you could then work with as needed. Even if you had to merge a few pieces, it was perfect if you wanted an accurate 3D perspective or extrude effect but also wanted to manipulate the color, gradient or shading of the various surfaces inpendently. This was ideal for creating stylish, cleaner 3D effects without any unwanted extra shading or gradients.

With the new 3D and Materials (which I assume will completely displace the "Classic" version eventually) all I get is a raster image when I try to expand it. This feels like a major step backwards. It would be nice to at least have the option for how we want to expand the object.

Am I missing something? Is there a setting somewhere? Is there a way to expand without rasterization with the updated 3D effects?

This topic has been closed for replies.

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carlys57079003

Participating Frequently

I am having this same issue. What a major flaw for illustrator. I need to revolve logos for sign renderings, and it just makes a blurry raster version, so not only can I not change the color, it is low quality/ugly. Illustrator should stay vector.

Monika Gause

Community Expert

If you need logos for sign rendering,then use the Classic effects.

Raytracing is a raster based process. The new materials are inherently raster based. It is not possible to generate that as vector artwork.

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BrunoAMC

Participant

Illustrator 2024 is a complete disaster, a collection of mistakes. This rasterization in a vector program makes NO sense at all.

What were these people thinking?! Not to mention the ungrouping nightmare....Hard to believe they put this out.

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Bobby Henderson

Community Expert

The 3D features in Adobe Illustrator are pretty basic. They're good for quick and dirty faux 3D effects in graphics projects. It's also common for renders of 3D models to essentially be 2D raster-based images. That's what you'll get in a full fledged 3D modeling/animation application. Adobe Illustrator will probably never be a work-able replacement for any real 3D modeling application. Adobe Dimension can do more than the 3D tools within Illustrator (I'd like Adobe Dimension more if it could actually import artwork without making me want to tear my hair out in frustration). Applications like Blender can do far more than that.