Adobe Illustrator provides a range of tools for creating and manipulating vector graphics, and one of these tools is the ability to display a 3D grid. This grid can be particularly helpful when working with 3D effects, shapes, or objects, as it helps you align and position items in a 3D space. However, there may be times when you no longer need the 3D grid, either because it’s cluttering the workspace or because you're no longer working with 3D elements. In these cases, it’s important to know how to remove the 3D grid from your workspace without affecting your design. In this article, we'll walk you through several ways to get rid of the 3D grid in Illustrator quickly and efficiently.
Best Ways to Get Rid of the 3D Grid in Illustrator
1. Turn Off the 3D Grid Using the View Menu
The simplest way to remove the 3D grid in Illustrator is through the View menu. This method will hide the grid from your workspace, allowing you to work without visual distractions while maintaining your 3D objects.
Step 1: Open your Illustrator project and ensure that the 3D grid is visible in the workspace.
Step 2: Go to the View menu at the top of the screen.
Step 3: Scroll down to the Show Grid option and ensure it’s unchecked. If it is checked, simply click on it to uncheck it.
Step 4: Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + ' (apostrophe) (on Windows) or Command + ' (apostrophe) (on Mac) to toggle the grid on and off.
This method is ideal for temporarily removing the grid from your view without affecting the design or 3D elements themselves.
2. Disable the 3D Grid from the 3D Extrude & Bevel Dialog
If you applied a 3D grid while using the 3D Extrude & Bevel effect, you can remove it directly from the effect’s settings in the dialog box. This is especially useful if the grid is tied to a specific 3D object.
Step 1: Select the object with the 3D grid by clicking on it using the Selection Tool (V).
Step 2: Go to Effect > 3D > Extrude & Bevel. This will open the 3D Extrude & Bevel dialog box.
Step 3: In the dialog box, uncheck the Show Grid option if it’s enabled. This will remove the grid from the view.
Step 4: Click OK to apply the changes. The 3D grid will no longer appear in the workspace.
This method is particularly useful if you want to remove the grid from a specific 3D object without affecting your entire workspace.
3. Adjust 3D Grid Settings in the Preferences Panel
Illustrator allows you to customize various settings related to the grid, including whether or not the 3D grid is visible. You can access and adjust these settings via the Preferences panel.
Step 1: Open the Edit menu (Windows) or Illustrator menu (Mac) and select Preferences > Guides & Grid.
Step 2: In the Guides & Grid section of the Preferences panel, look for the 3D Grid settings.
Step 3: If the 3D grid option is checked, uncheck it to disable the grid.
Step 4: Click OK to apply your changes. The 3D grid will no longer appear in your workspace.
This approach is great for adjusting your settings on a broader level, ensuring that the 3D grid is not enabled for any of your objects.
4. Remove 3D Grid by Resetting the Document Preferences
If you're finding that the 3D grid keeps reappearing or if you've inadvertently enabled multiple grid types, resetting your document preferences can help restore the default settings and remove unwanted grids.
Step 1: Go to the Edit menu (on Windows) or Illustrator menu (on Mac).
Step 2: Select Preferences and then click on General.
Step 3: In the General Preferences window, click on Reset Preferences to restore all settings to default.
Step 4: Click OK to confirm the reset. This will reset all preferences, including the visibility of grids and other tools.
While this method can be helpful if you’re dealing with persistent grid issues, be cautious as it will reset all preferences across Illustrator, not just the grid settings.
5. Delete the 3D Grid Using the Direct Selection Tool
If the 3D grid is part of a 3D object and you want to remove it from a specific shape or object, you can use the Direct Selection Tool to delete it.
Step 1: Select the 3D object that has the grid with the Selection Tool (V).
Step 2: Switch to the Direct Selection Tool (A) and click on the 3D grid or object’s points.
Step 3: Once selected, press the Delete key to remove the grid or parts of the object.
Step 4: If needed, you can adjust the object by selecting and moving its points to fine-tune the design.
This method works best if the grid is embedded as part of a specific 3D object and you want to remove it while keeping the object intact.
Other Ways to Get Rid of the 3D Grid in Illustrator
1. Hide the Grid with Layer Visibility: If the 3D grid is on a specific layer, you can hide it by turning off the visibility of that layer in the Layers panel.
2. Disable Grids in the View Options: Go to View > Grid > Hide Grid to quickly remove any grid, including the 3D grid.
3. Switch to Outline View: By pressing Ctrl + Y (Windows) or Command + Y (Mac), you can switch to Outline View, where grids may not be visible, making it easier to work without distractions.
4. Use the Artboard Tool: If you have multiple artboards and only one has the grid, use the Artboard Tool (Shift + O) to work in a grid-free artboard.
5. Remove Grids Temporarily in Full-Screen Mode: By pressing Ctrl + Shift + F (Windows) or Command + Shift + F (Mac), you can enter Full-Screen Mode, which hides grids and other interface elements temporarily.
Things to Consider
1. Purpose of the 3D Grid: While removing the 3D grid can simplify your workspace, it’s important to consider why the grid was used in the first place. The grid is a valuable tool for positioning and aligning 3D objects, especially when creating complex 3D designs. If you’re working on a 3D project, disabling or removing the grid might make it harder to align elements accurately. Consider whether temporarily hiding the grid might be more appropriate than permanently removing it.
2. Reverting Changes After Hiding the Grid: If you hide the 3D grid and later need it back, it’s essential to know how to restore it. Remember that the View menu allows you to toggle the grid on and off without losing any work. Similarly, the 3D Extrude & Bevel settings can be accessed again if you need to reapply the grid to your design.
3. Managing Multiple Grids: Illustrator can handle multiple grid types simultaneously, such as the regular grid and the 3D grid. If you’re working with both, it can sometimes be difficult to tell which grid is active. Be mindful of which grid you are interacting with, and use the Layers panel to manage different grid layers or objects.
4. Impact on Workflow: Removing the 3D grid might have an impact on your workflow, especially if you're in the middle of working on 3D designs. If you find that the grid is necessary for your project, consider using keyboard shortcuts or customized toolbars to quickly toggle it on and off. It’s often best to keep your workspace clear of unnecessary elements to maintain focus on your design.
5. Checking for Residual Grid Layers: If you’ve used the 3D grid in the past, there may be residual layers or objects that still reference it. Before assuming the grid is completely gone, check the Layers panel to ensure there are no hidden grid layers still visible. This can help prevent confusion or misalignment in your design.
Conclusion
Getting rid of the 3D grid in Illustrator is a straightforward process, and there are several methods you can use to remove or hide it depending on your preferences. Whether you prefer to disable the grid via the View menu, adjust the settings in the Preferences panel, or remove the grid from a specific 3D object, Illustrator provides ample options for managing your workspace. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can quickly remove the 3D grid and continue working on your design with a cleaner interface. Always keep in mind the purpose of the grid and whether you may need to toggle it back on later, as it can be an important tool when working with 3D elements.
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