Revolving objects


    Revolving an object sweeps a path or profile in a circular direction around the global y axis (revolve axis) to create a 3D object. Because the revolve axis is vertically fixed, the open or closed path that you revolve typically needs to depict half of the desired 3D object's profile in a vertical and front-facing position; you can then rotate the 3D object's position in the effect's dialog box.

    Closed paths and the revolved and rotated 3D object that each one creates
    Closed paths and the revolved and rotated 3D object that each one creates

    Note: Revolving a filled path with no stroke is much faster than revolving a stroked path which takes longer to render.

    Applying the 3D Revolve effect to one or more objects simultaneously revolves each object around its own axis. Each object resides in its own 3D space and can't intersect other 3D objects. Applying the Revolve effect to a targeted group or layer, on the other hand, revolves the objects around a single axis. For more information on targeting layers or groups, see Targeting layers, groups, and containers.

    Original objects (left), objects revolved individually use separate axes (middle), objects grouped and then revolved share the same axis (right).
    Original objects (left), objects revolved individually use separate axes (middle), objects grouped and then revolved share the same axis (right).

    Tip icon To edit a 3D Revolve effect you've already applied to an object, select the 3D object and then double-click the effect in the Appearance palette. For information on using the Appearance palette, see Modifying and removing appearance attributes.

To revolve a 2D object:

  1. Select the object.
  2. Choose Effect > 3D > Revolve.
  3. To set the number of degrees to revolve the path, in the Revolve section of the dialog box enter a value between 0 and 360.
  4. Do one of the following:
    • Click the Revolve Cap On button Extrude Cap On button to make the object appear solid.
    • Click the Revolve Cap Off button Extrude Cap Off button to make the object appear hollow.
  5. To add distance between the revolve axis and the path, enter an Offset value between 0 and 1000. (For example, this option can create a ring-shaped object.)
  6. To set the axis around which the object revolves, choose Left Edge or Right Edge.
  7. To set the Position, Surface, and lighting options, see Rotating objects in 3D space, Applying surface shading to a 3D object, or Lighting an object.
  8. To preview the effect in the document window, select Preview.
  9. Click OK.