Then see how your text looks by checking Preview and then click OK to return to your design.

I stick to a depth of 100 points or less depths larger than 100 can be hard to read.Ĭhange the Surface to Diffuse Shading to resemble a three-dimensional look. Adjust the Extrude Depth to alter the depth of your drop shadow. These numbers will closely mimic a subtle drop shadow look any numbers larger than these might tilt and obscure your text. Set your measurements to around 6 degrees, 8 degrees, and 0 degrees. The Extrude & Bevel Options menu will typically default to an Off-Axis Front setting.

This handy menu allows you to quickly manipulate the look of vectors with unique three-dimensional effects, like drop shadows or isometric projection. Using the Selection Tool (V), activate your text object and navigate to Effect > 3D > Extrude & Bevel. Usually more sophisticated serif and script styles are difficult to read with drop shadows applied. When you add drop shadows to typography, stick to mono-weight sans-serif styles, such as Montserrat, or a bold slab serif, like Zilla Slab. Check out this primer on the Adobe Illustrator Type Tool to learn how to write text on an angle, on a curve, and more. I recommend setting your type to all caps lowercase styles, depending on the font, may make your design hard to read. You can then add gradients to the drop shadows, which will create the points of light typically seen in 3D shapes.īegin by typing out the phrase of your choice with the Type Tool (T). Illustrator’s handy Extrude & Bevel effects will quickly simulate a three-dimensional appearance on your text. How to Make 3D Text with Extrude & Bevel Effects There are several techniques for adding realistic and solid color drop shadows to your typography let’s dive into how to make 3D text in Illustrator using a two simple drop shadow methods. Designers and typographers have continually evolved the appearance of this style by adding grunge textures, drastic shadows, and gradients or halftones. These shadows range from subtle hints of color to more prominent or textured shadows. Discover how to make 3D text in Illustrator using realistic drop shadows.ĭrop shadows might get a bad rap in the design world, but there is truly no easier way to elevate type by adding three-dimensional elements to two-dimensional text. Flat, two-dimensional text can blend in with other design elements and make your design look lackluster.

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