How to Make a 3D Pattern in Illustrator

Illustrator 3D

With the 3D technology integration into Illustrator, we've gained a versatile tool that enhances the potential for generating fresh graphics with ease. Among the various applications of this new 3D feature, one of the most practical is creating patterns for any of our projects. So today, I will show you how easy is to make a 3D object and use it to craft patterns entirely within Illustrator, using only the default tools.

Step 1

Open Illustrator and make a new file at any size you want. In this case I will make mine at 900 x 600 px.

Step 2

Select the Ellipse Tool (L) and draw 4 circles at any size you wish. I will make mine at 70px.

Step 3

Give each circle any color you like. Here I will be using a simple grayscale palette.

Step 4

Select any of the 4 circles, go to Effect > 3D and Materials > Inflate and apply the following settings.

Step 5

Select the "Materials" tab and apply the following settings.

Step 6

Now click on the "Lighting" tab and apply the following settings.

Step 7

Repeat the Steps 4 to 6 for each of the remaining circles.

Step 8

Expand the "Render Settings" in the 3D and Materials panel, apply the following settings and hit the "Render" button.

Step 9

Select all objects and go to Object > Pattern > Make.

Step 10

In the Pattern Options window, apply the following settings and the click "Done" in the top toolbar.

Step 11

To test the new pattern, draw a rectangle covering your whole canvas using any color that you want. I will setup mine to #E2E2E2.

Step 12

With the rectangle selected, go to Edit > Copy and then to Edit > Paste in Place.

Step 13

Lastly, with the copied rectangle selected, go to Window > Swatches and select the recently created pattern.