3D Graphs

3D Graphs

Are you still using the traditional 2D graph for your reports and presentations? This tutorial shows you how to create 3D graphs with Illustrator CS2 at ease.

Version: Illustrator CS2

Download Source File

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1. Create the graph

Select the Pie Graph Tool , click on the Artboard/screen, then enter 200×200px.

Data Table

Your graph data table will pop up like the image below. Enter 15, 55, 30 and then click on the check mark to apply data. You may close this data table now.

2. Ungroup the graph

You need to ungroup or break the graph in order to apply color and effects to each piece. With the graph selected, go to Object > Ungroup or press Ctrl+Shift+G. There will be a warning box(After a graph is ungrouped you will no longer be able to access its graph style, its data or change its graph designs.) just click Yes. Now Ungroup again, first Ungroup is to break the graph, second Ungroup is to break the object into pieces. Fill with any color as you want and remove stroke color.

3. Apply Extrude & Bevel

Select any piece(I’ve selected yellow here), go to Effect > 3D > Extrude & Bevel.

3D Extrude & Bevel options

If the lower portion window is not showing, click More Options. Now you may drag the cube on the left to specify the Rotation or enter the X-Y-Z Axis values manually. Enter 20pt for Extrude Depth. Add an extra Light by clicking on New Light icon and drag it as shown below.

4. Make a Graphic Style

With the yellow piece selected, in Graphic Styles pallate, click on the New Graphic Style icon to make a Graphic Styles of that object. If your Graphic Styles pallate is not showing, go to Window > Graphic Styles or press Shift+F5.

5. Apply Graphic Styles

Now select the orange and green piece, click on the Graphic Style you’ve created in previous step to apply the styles onto these objects.

Final

One last step you need to do is to reposit the pie. Notice after you applied the Graphic Styles, the pie is off a bit, use the Selection Tool and put them back together. Now you have a nice colorful 3D pie graph.

Bonus Tips

You can use the same technique to create the bar graph like the image below. Click here to download the source file of this Bar Graph sample.