How to export ai files to .obj

[#1]

Hi Guys. I need to find a way to export ai files to .obj files.

Is there a plug-in or another way to do this?

I have a 3d program (Silo 3D) that will accept .obj files after I have exported to svg an file, converted in wings3D to .obj file and then opened in Silo.

Adobe's dimensions does not work on my Mac.

Thanks in Advance-

-C

[#2]

Hi Guys. I need to find a way to export ai files to .obj files.

Is there a plug-in or another way to do this?

I have a 3d program (Silo 3D) that will accept .obj files after I have exported to svg an file, converted in wings3D to .obj file and then opened in Silo.

Adobe's dimensions does not work on my Mac.

Thanks in Advance-

-C

[#3]

.obj is a 3d format, Illustrator is 2D, so I do not think this is possible or useful.

[#4]

The problem I am trying to find the solution to, is that I need to create 3D versions of the signs we create. I have to draw these in 2d.

How do I get those graphics into a 3D program?

-C

[#5]

That should be a question for support of your 3D program.

What can that program import?

[#6]

Supported 3D file loading formats are *.sib, *.sia, *.obj, *.3ds, and *.dxf.

Unfortunately, when I import DXF files, they are blnk.

I'll contact the 3D software program and see if they have a solution.

-thank you-

-C

[#7 · Accepted solution]

Ok - I think I have found a work around. It requires Photoshop as a go-between though.

1 - Create shape/ letters in illustrator.

2 - Copy and paste into Photoshop as a smart object.

3 - Select layer of the smart object you just imported.

4 - Select 'New 3D Extrusion from selected layer' under the 3D menu.
     Photoshop will create a 3D object from your imported layer.

5 - Select Export 3D Layer from the 3D menu.

6 - A save dialog box will pop up. Select the format. In this case I selected Wavefront/OBJ. If it's needed, select the texture format.
     Then select 'OK'. Photoshop will save the layer as an obj file that can be opened in Silo.

It seems to work very well for fonts, but for vector shapes sometimes it made some odd vertices.

However, it's a good start and I can work with it from there.

Until Silo accepts vector bezier curves, it's as good as it gets for now.

I'll keep looking for more solutions.

[#8]

Perfect!!! TKS!!