Creating 3D objects in Adobe Illustrator can seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple once you know the steps. One of the most basic 3D shapes to create is a cube, which can serve as a foundation for more complex designs. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of making a 3D cube in Illustrator.

To get started, you’ll need a basic understanding of Illustrator’s tools and functions. We recommend familiarizing yourself with the Pen Tool, Pathfinder, and 3D Extrude & Bevel options before attempting to create a 3D cube. Once you’re comfortable with these tools, you’ll be ready to dive in and create your own 3D cube.

Setting Up the Document

Before we start creating a 3D cube in Illustrator, we need to set up the document properly. In this section, we will cover the steps involved in creating a new document and setting the artboard size.

Creating a New Document

To create a new document in Illustrator, follow these simple steps:

1. Open Illustrator and click on “File” in the top menu bar.
2. Click on “New” to open the New Document dialog box.
3. In the New Document dialog box, set the following parameters:
   • Name: Enter a name for your document.
   • Profile: Choose the appropriate profile for your project.
   • Size: Choose the size of your artboard.
   • Units: Choose the units of measurement for your document.
   • Orientation: Choose the orientation of your document.
   • Bleed: If you need a bleed, enter the bleed size in this section.
4. Click on “Create” to create a new document.

Setting the Artboard Size

The artboard size is the size of the canvas on which you will be creating your 3D cube. To set the artboard size, follow these steps:

1. Click on the “Artboard” tool in the toolbar on the left-hand side of the screen.
2. Click on the artboard to select it.
3. In the Properties panel on the right-hand side of the screen, set the following parameters:
   • Width: Enter the width of the artboard.
   • Height: Enter the height of the artboard.
4. Press “Enter” to set the artboard size.

It’s important to note that the size of the artboard should be slightly larger than the size of the 3D cube you want to create. This will give you some extra space to work with and make it easier to position and manipulate the cube.

Drawing the Cube

To create a 3D cube in Illustrator, you need to follow a few steps. First, draw the cube’s front face, then add the side faces, top face, bottom face, and finally, the back face. Here’s how to draw each of these faces:

Drawing the Front Face

1. Select the Rectangle tool from the toolbar.
2. Draw a rectangle with the desired width and height.
3. Fill the rectangle with the desired color.

Drawing the Side Faces

1. Select the Line Segment tool from the toolbar.
2. Draw a line from the top-right corner of the front face to the top-right corner of the canvas.
3. Draw a line from the bottom-right corner of the front face to the bottom-right corner of the canvas.
4. Draw a line from the bottom-left corner of the front face to the bottom-left corner of the canvas.
5. Draw a line from the top-left corner of the front face to the top-left corner of the canvas.
6. Select the Direct Selection tool from the toolbar.
7. Select the top-right and bottom-right points of the lines you drew in step 2 and 3.
8. Move them to the right until they meet the top-right and bottom-right corners of the front face.
9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 for the top-left and bottom-left points.

Drawing the Top Face

1. Select the Pen tool from the toolbar.
2. Draw a shape that connects the top-left, top-right, and bottom-right corners of the side faces.
3. Fill the shape with the desired color.

Drawing the Bottom Face

1. Select the Pen tool from the toolbar.
2. Draw a shape that connects the bottom-left, bottom-right, and top-right corners of the side faces.
3. Fill the shape with the desired color.

Drawing the Back Face

1. Select the Line Segment tool from the toolbar.
2. Draw lines that connect the top-left, top-right, bottom-right, and bottom-left corners of the side faces.
3. Select the Direct Selection tool from the toolbar.
4. Move the top-left and bottom-left points to the left until they meet the top-left and bottom-left corners of the canvas.
5. Repeat step 4 for the top-right and bottom-right points.

That’s it! By following these steps, you can create a 3D cube in Illustrator.

Adding Depth to the Cube

Creating the Shading

To create shading on the cube, you need to use the Gradient Tool. First, select the cube and choose the Gradient Tool from the toolbar. Then, click and drag the Gradient Tool across the cube to create a gradient. You can adjust the gradient by using the Gradient panel, which you can find under the Window menu.

To create a realistic shading effect, it’s important to consider the light source. Think about where the light is coming from and adjust the gradient accordingly. For example, if the light is coming from the top left, the shading should be on the bottom right of the cube.

Creating the Highlights

To create highlights on the cube, you can use the Pen Tool to draw a shape over the surface of the cube. Then, select the shape and choose the Gradient Tool. Click and drag the Gradient Tool across the shape to create a gradient.

Again, consider the light source when creating highlights. The highlights should be on the side of the cube that is facing the light source. You can also adjust the opacity of the highlights to make them more subtle.

When adding shading and highlights, it’s important to keep the overall design in mind. Don’t overdo it with too much shading or highlights, as it can make the cube look cluttered and busy. Use shading and highlights to enhance the 3D effect of the cube, but don’t let it overpower the design.

That’s it! With these tips, you can add depth and dimension to your 3D cube in Illustrator.

Final Touches

Adding a Background

Adding a background to your 3D cube can give it a more polished look. To do so, create a new layer behind your cube layer. Then, use the Rectangle tool to create a rectangle that covers the entire artboard. Choose a color or gradient that complements your cube design. You can also add texture or patterns to the background to make it more interesting.

Exporting the 3D Cube

Once you’re happy with your 3D cube design, it’s time to export it. First, make sure your cube layer is selected. Then, go to File > Export > Export As. Choose the file format you want to save your cube in, such as PNG or SVG. Make sure the “Use Artboards” option is selected and set the resolution to 300ppi for high-quality output. Click “Export” and choose a location to save your file.

Congratulations, you’ve successfully created a 3D cube in Illustrator! With these final touches, you can make your design stand out even more.