Adobe Illustrator is a powerful vector graphics editor that provides a wide range of tools and effects for creating intricate designs. Among these tools is the 3D effect, which allows users to create 3D shapes, such as cubes, spheres, and other objects, directly within the software. However, there may be times when you create or import a 3D cube, and you want to remove it or revert it back to its original 2D form. Whether you’ve mistakenly applied a 3D effect, or you simply want to go back to working with flat shapes, this guide will show you how to get rid of a 3D cube in Illustrator effectively. By following the steps below, you can remove or flatten the 3D object and get back to designing as usual.
Best Ways to Get Rid of a 3D Cube in Illustrator
1. Using the Appearance Panel to Remove the 3D Effect
One of the most straightforward ways to get rid of a 3D cube in Illustrator is by removing the 3D effect from the Appearance panel. This allows you to retain the object but remove the 3D transformation.
Step 1: Select the 3D cube object with the Selection Tool (V).
Step 2: Go to the Window menu and open the Appearance panel. If the Appearance panel is not visible, you can also press Shift + F6 to open it.
Step 3: In the Appearance panel, look for the 3D effect applied to the object (it may appear as 3D Extrude & Bevel or similar).
Step 4: Click on the 3D effect and press the Delete or Trash icon at the bottom of the Appearance panel.
Step 5: Once deleted, the object will return to its 2D state, removing the 3D cube effect.
This method works best if you simply want to remove the 3D effect without altering the object’s overall design or shape.
2. Flatten the 3D Cube to a 2D Shape
If you want to completely flatten the 3D cube into a 2D object, you can rasterize it. This method converts the 3D object into a regular 2D vector shape, effectively removing all 3D properties.
Step 1: Select the 3D cube object with the Selection Tool (V).
Step 2: Go to the Object menu and choose Rasterize.
Step 3: In the Rasterize window, select the resolution and color mode you prefer (usually High Resolution and RGB are fine for most designs).
Step 4: Click OK to apply the rasterization.
Step 5: The 3D cube is now flattened into a 2D shape, and all 3D effects will be removed.
Rasterizing is useful if you no longer need the 3D properties and are only interested in a flat, 2D version of the shape.
3. Remove 3D Cube via the 3D Extrude & Bevel Dialog
Illustrator’s 3D Extrude & Bevel effect is often used to create cubes and other 3D shapes. You can remove this effect directly from the 3D Extrude & Bevel dialog box.
Step 1: Select the 3D cube object with the Selection Tool (V).
Step 2: Go to Effect > 3D > Extrude & Bevel to open the 3D Extrude & Bevel dialog box.
Step 3: In the dialog box, either adjust the settings to turn off the 3D effect or click Clear or None for the extrude and bevel options.
Step 4: Click OK to apply the changes. The object should now revert to a 2D shape without the 3D cube effect.
This method provides a more hands-on way to modify the 3D cube settings before deciding whether to fully remove the effect.
4. Convert the 3D Object to a Simple Path
Sometimes, you may want to completely remove all 3D properties while retaining the path structure. You can do this by expanding the 3D object into simple vector paths.
Step 1: Select the 3D cube object with the Selection Tool (V).
Step 2: Go to Object > Expand Appearance. This option will convert the 3D cube into individual paths that you can edit like any other vector shape.
Step 3: If needed, ungroup the expanded object by selecting it and pressing Shift + Ctrl + G (or Shift + Command + G on Mac).
Step 4: After ungrouping, you can delete or edit individual parts of the cube.
Expanding the appearance is ideal if you want to preserve the look of the 3D object but convert it into editable vector paths.
5. Delete the 3D Cube Object Entirely
If you no longer want the 3D cube in your document at all, you can simply delete the object entirely. This is the most direct way to get rid of the cube.
Step 1: Select the 3D cube object with the Selection Tool (V).
Step 2: Press the Delete or Backspace key on your keyboard, or right-click and select Delete from the context menu.
Step 3: The 3D cube object will be removed from your workspace.
This option is best if you no longer need the object or its components in your design.
Other Ways to Get Rid of a 3D Cube in Illustrator
1. Use the Layers Panel: If the 3D cube is placed on a specific layer, you can hide or delete the entire layer by going to the Layers panel and clicking on the trash can icon to remove the layer.
2. Undo the 3D Effect: If you recently applied the 3D effect, you can simply use Ctrl + Z (or Command + Z on Mac) to undo the action and revert the object to its previous state.
3. Select and Delete the Cube Faces: If you’ve created a 3D cube with individual faces, you can select each face and delete it separately from the Direct Selection Tool (A).
4. Switch to Outline Mode: Switch to Outline Mode (Ctrl + Y or Command + Y) to better see and select the 3D cube’s outlines, and then delete the unwanted object.
5. Recreate the Object: If the 3D cube was created as a part of a more complex object or design, it may be easiest to simply recreate the shape as a 2D object and delete the 3D version.
Things to Consider
1. Preserving Object Design: When removing a 3D effect, consider whether you want to preserve the design elements of the 3D cube. For example, if the cube has specific gradients, strokes, or effects that you’d like to keep, removing the 3D effect can sometimes alter the object’s appearance. Before completely removing the effect, it’s a good idea to copy the object or group it to retain a backup for future use. If you just want to flatten it, you can do so without losing all the design elements.
2. Working with Complex 3D Designs: If your 3D cube is part of a larger, more complex design that includes multiple 3D objects, removing or flattening the 3D cube may affect other parts of the design. Be mindful of the interdependence between objects, and consider isolating the 3D cube in a separate layer before making changes. This ensures that other elements of your design are not unintentionally altered or deleted during the process.
3. Understanding the Difference Between 3D and 2D: When working with 3D objects in Illustrator, it's important to understand the difference between truly 3D objects and 3D effects. The 3D effect in Illustrator is not a full 3D object; it’s a simulation of 3D space. Therefore, converting a 3D object to a 2D shape may result in a visual change, as you are essentially flattening the perspective. Make sure you are comfortable with this visual change before applying any permanent alterations to the design.
4. Use of Layers for Organization: If you are dealing with multiple 3D objects in Illustrator, it’s a good practice to organize your artwork into layers. This makes it easier to select and remove specific 3D elements without affecting other parts of your design. Using layers also helps with better management of your artwork, especially when working on more complex designs.
5. Backup Before Major Changes: Before making any major alterations to your design, such as removing 3D effects or deleting objects, always consider saving a backup copy of your file. This ensures that if you make a mistake or change your mind, you can easily revert to the previous version of the file. Illustrator’s Save As option allows you to create multiple versions of the file, making it easier to experiment without losing previous work.
Conclusion
Removing a 3D cube in Illustrator can be achieved using various methods, depending on how you want to handle the object. Whether you choose to remove the 3D effect, flatten the object into 2D, or delete the object entirely, there are plenty of ways to get rid of a 3D cube without damaging the rest of your design. By understanding the tools available in Illustrator and the impact of each method, you can choose the best approach that suits your needs. Whether you're simplifying your design or just correcting a mistake, these techniques will help you efficiently manage and remove 3D elements in your Illustrator projects.
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