Mapping vector artwork on 3D object is not sharp - looks low res?

[lauragalora99]

I've created a 3D cylinder and I'm mapping some vector artwork on it, but it looks super grainy/low res. Even when I render it at 600dpi it looks the same. It's outlined text, it should be super sharp. Am I missing something? See pic.

[Ton Frederiks]

Can you try the same with the Classic 3D Effect?

A gradient could be added later.

[lauragalora99]

Just tried that and the graphic doesn't show up when I try to map it. It just bounces around in the mapping window.

[Ton Frederiks]

You could make the symbol smaller, or the cylinder larger or use the Scale to Fit button.

[lauragalora99]

Nope, still doesn't show up. Even when using scale to fit.

[Ton Frederiks]

Can you share an example .ai file?

CC filesharing, Dropbox, WeTransfer, Google...

[lauragalora99]

Sure thing. Here's my file with both classic and new 3D objects with mapped art.

https://we.tl/t-g2GgDzUwRV

[Ton Frederiks]

Thanks, you should try to map it to another surface. This is 6.

[lauragalora99]

Sorry, I'm not sure I understand what you mean?

[Ton Frederiks]

Laura, in the Map Art dialog you can use the arrows next to Surface to browse to a surface to use for art mapping.

[lauragalora99]

Ohhh, I get it! I missed that part. I can do that and select invisible geometry so I can then drop it onto the better 3D object using the newer 3D method. Trick will be getting it the exact same size and perspective. Thanks so much!

[Ton Frederiks]

Good to hear that helped.

[lauragalora99]

Ok, stuck again! I've managed to get the graphic mapped on perfectly but now I need to make 2 more with different labels. When I try to replace the mapped graphic it makes me resize and re-adjust it. Is there a way to simply replace that symbol on the 3D object and have it be the exact same size/placement?

[Monika Gause]

So it doesn't work when you just edit the symbol?

[lauragalora99]

Not in the map art diaglog box. This is where I have it perfectly laid out:

Then if I select the new symbol, this is what happens and I have to resize/rejig it and it's impossible to get it perfect

[lauragalora99 · Accepted solution]

Figured it out! I've edited the symbol from the symbol palette and voila, replaced 🙂