Troubleshoot error messages when applying 3D materials to objects

[Srishti Bali]

While using 3D effects, in Illustrator you might encounter the following error messages and limitations: 

                             

Unsupported objects: 3D effects are not supported on raster images, Mesh, single anchor point object, etc. If you apply the effect to an unsupported object, you will receive this error message. 

"3D and Materials' effect currently works only on some object types and cannot apply as multiple instances." 

Complex objects: For certain complex paths, 3D effects are only partially applied. In such scenarios, you will get this error message.  

"3D and Materials' effect currently does not apply entirely on some object types." 

Stacking 3D effects: Stacking multiple 3D effect instances on an object is not supported as of now. If you attempt to add 3D effect to an object which already has 3D effect applied, you will get this error message.   

"3D and Materials' effect currently works only on some object types and cannot apply as multiple instances." 

Export as OBJ: You can export 3D effects as a 3D model in OBJ file format. This file format doesn’t include materials and only includes the shape of the object. Support for other formats that support materials will be introduced in future updates.  

Optimize Illustrator performance on your operating system: Use the information in the following articles to optimize Illustrator performance on your OS. 

macOS   

Windows    

We hope that this information helps in improving your experience of using the app. If you need further assistance, please post your query in the community, and we will do our best to assist you. 

-Srishti

[EugeneRim]

- Thanks You! 

[Zachary5E28]

I am new to 3D in Illustrator. I createdd a basic 3D shape, saved the file, closed everything, opened up the file an hour later, and now I am unable to edit the objects 3D properties. It shows me the properties and I make changes but I get this error message: " '3d and materials' effect currently works only on some object types and cannot apply as multiple instances. I don't understand. Before I closed Illustrator and saved the file, I was able to edit angles and lighting and such. Now I can't. I haven't done anything else to the object, so what is going on?

[Monika Gause]

Can you please show us your objects, the appearance panel with selected object, and what exactly you are editing. If possible, could you upload the AI file to Dropbox or the like and post a link in this forum? So we could try out your file? You can delete everything from the file that is not related.

[Zachary5E28]

I started over and saved and closed and opened up the new file and everything worked fine. I was able to edit my 3D shapes. Not sure what the problem was. I did change a few options in the save dialog, like I deselected the option for PDF Compatible. Not sure if that did it or just some random glitch. My few bad experiences with Illustrator doesn't instill confidence in me.

[Monika Gause]

Are you perhaps working directly on a server?

Is "Save in background" turned on in the preferences (you'd want to have it off)

[Maxwell27818904okzf]

I am doing typography on the Arch right now and I added both envelop distort(make with mesh: 4x4). Then added the 3D Matiriels and now it shows this error "3D and Materials' effect currently works only on some object types and cannot apply as multiple instances." I have 2 questions, does the envelope distort tool count as a 3D tool? And mainly how can I do both at the same time because I have done it with other words as well?

[Ton Frederiks]

As mentioned above, mesh objects are not supported in the 3D and Materials effect.

You may want to try the Cassic 3D effect.

[Yasir777]

I created a mesh shape to export as an .obj file to use in Adobe Dimension but was getting

'3D and Materials' effect currently works only on some object types and cannot apply as multiple instances.'

I dont see where is an option from 3D classic to export?

could be more detailed, thank you so much.

Yasir

[Monika Gause]

Objects created using Classic 3D effects cannot be exported as OBJ

Could you please show us what you want to export? Mesh is referring to gradient mesh? Or envelope?

[Yasir777]

It's a Gradient mesh. I posted an example of what I was trying to achieve to Egor's replay. 
im not using 3-D classic I'm using the new 3d and materials' effect.

yasir. 

[Monika Gause]

Don't know where you posted it. It's not in this thread.

[Yasir777]

Sorry, I think it was posted on UsersVoice.

 I get a warning when I try to export an object with a mesh in it.
'3D and Materials' effect currently works only on some object types and cannot apply as multiple instances.
I googled that, and there was a post on the illustrator discussion, here is the link.
https://community.adobe.com/t5/illustrator-discussions/troubleshoot-error-messages-when-applying-3d-...

Although one response towards the end recommends to utilize 3D classic in Ai. But did not detail how, I wrote back hopefully he has further details.
I am trying to create a plastic bread bag with wrinkles on it, the Mesh tool gave me great results, but could not get it to Adobe Dimension.

[Monika Gause]

And you want to apply this mesh as a bump map?

In that case you can just load a PNG in Dimension.

You cannot export this as an OBJ file. Those meshes are not 3D objects. And also: the only 3D objects you can export as OBJs are the ones created with 3D and materials.

If you want more 3D functionality I recommend you learn some 3D application such as Blender, Cinema4D or anything like it.

[Yasir777]

I am trying to create a 3D model of a plastic bag with wrenkles to use in Adobe Dimension, I am a package designer; the only way to create the wrenkle effect is to aply a Mesh,  PNG exporting is only good for placing a decal on a model in AD.

I did some reading on .obj and how it works, evidently obj files use a trianglur mesh to create a 3D model.

https://all3dp.com/1/obj-file-format-3d-printing-cad/

So from what I unstertand, a mesh creating a mesh to export might not be feasable in Ai. Since Photoshop is no longer supporting 3D work, and Ai has new 3D and Materials to compensate for what Photoshop had. Adobe now has the new collection of 3D creation in 5 Substance apps, but it costs monthly subscription not part of the creative cloud.

In the meantime I will use Adobe stock for the plastic 3D model, I have 10 free downloads.

I have installed Blender; hopefully I can learn that task for the future. 

thanks for your response.

Yasir

[Monika Gause]

You can import a normal map into Dimension. You first have to create it using Photoshop: https://community.adobe.com/t5/dimension-discussions/height-bump-maps/m-p/12455011

But if this is just for a mockup, then maybe use Photoshop mockups?

https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/plastic-bag-mockup

[Yasir777]

Thanks for your quick responses. I just want to share this with anyone that has been going thru this thread that

Discontinuation of 3D features in Photoshop

Photoshop’s 3D features will be removed in future updates. Users working with 3D are encouraged to explore Adobe’s new Substance 3D collection, which represents the next generation of 3D tools from Adobe. Additional details on the discontinuation of Photoshop’s 3D features can be found here: Photoshop 3D | Common questions on discontinued 3D features.

https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/3d-rendering-saving.html

[Monika Gause]

3D is discontinued. Creating a normal map isn't.

Mockups are not based on 3D at all.

[Yasir777]

I need to export a .obj file to use as a 3D model so I can use it in Adobe Dimension. Unless you run it through a 3D app.

that was my original post. 
thanks. 

[Yasir777]

Monika, how do you know Adobe Dimension is being discontinued, as a community expert, I'm surprised to your response. 
Adobe just realesed a new update 2 weeks ago, upon my postings and calling to tech to fix few ignored bugs.

the issue that has been ignored is the creation of an object with the mesh tool in Adobe Illustrator, in order to use it it Dimension.

[Monika Gause]

Monika, how do you know Adobe Dimension is being discontinued,

By @Yasir777

My post was not about Dimension, but about 3D in Photoshop.

[Roachy_]

I am unable to use 3d on any of my works even basic fonts that come with Illustrator. I was previously able to use it without issue on multiple illustrations that I turned into vectors on Illustrator, but now no matter what object I use it says it's too complex or not supported. I'm very confused.

[Monika Gause]

I am unable to use 3d on any of my works even basic fonts that come with Illustrator. I was previously able to use it without issue on multiple illustrations that I turned into vectors on Illustrator, but now no matter what object I use it says it's too complex or not supported. I'm very confused.

By @Roachy_

How much RAM is installed?

[goodjobnio]

I drag a single png into Illustrator try to make it 3d and I get this error every time it's very frustrating!

[Monika Gause · Accepted solution]

I drag a single png into Illustrator try to make it 3d and I get this error every time it's very frustrating!

By @goodjobnio

3D can be applied to vector paths, but not to PNGs.