save 3d object as vector

[Trina Johnson]

I have created a 3d effect on some type and want to save/keep as a vector, not rasterized. When I go to the 3D Materials panel, and choose the Expand as Wireframes, it loses the top 3d bend of the type.

Using "Export 3D object" just saves it as a raster.

What else can I do to just turn this object to a nice vector file....

[Monika Gause · Accepted solution]

You can try and in the Raytracing options check "Render as vector" and then use Object > Expand Appearance. If that doesn't work either, then that's that. You can try and build this using the Legacy 3D effects.

[jodyr]

<RANT>I'd like to take this topic as an opportunity to comment on how bad Adobe graphic design products have been devolving (I'm including anything AI into that assessment with the exception of PS's Content-Aware Fill.)  The fact you can't expand a 3D object directly into vectors expressing the shading is preposterous. Why on Earth would they drop this? It's another in the string of disappointments that anyone enslaved by this monopoly has to deal with now.</RANT>

[jodyr]

Feeling sheepish as I found a way to do what I wanted. I still think the products are devolving, but I have to take this particular reason off the list.

[derekq01]

How were you able to expand 3D object as a vector? "Render as vector" option doesn't really work and gives an extremely poor result.

[derekq01]

Found it!

Use the old 3D mode: Effect > 3D & Materials > 3D (Classic)