Add custom bevel paths

Last updated on Sep 11, 2025

Learn to create a custom bevel from an open path and apply it to 2D or 3D objects.

Open the Bevels.ai file from the support folder of Adobe Illustrator on your computer:

  • Windows path: C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Illustrator <year>\Support Files\Required\Resources\<locale>
  • macOS path: /Applications/Adobe Illustrator <year>/Support Files/Resources/<locale>

Create a single open path to use as the custom bevel.

To convert the path into a symbol, select Window > Symbols, then do one of the following:

  • Drag the path into the Symbols panel.
  • Select the path and then select New Symbol icon in the Symbols panel.

To rename the symbol, double-click New Symbol icon, type a new name, and select OK.

Save the file. If the File > Save option doesn’t work, use Save As and save the file in a different location. Move it back to the original folder to replace the old one.

To load the new bevel into the list, quit Illustrator and relaunch the application.

Select Effect > 3D and Materials > 3D Classic > Extrude & Bevel (Classic) and then select the Bevel dropdown to view your custom bevel.

To apply the custom bevel, do one of the following:

  • For an extruded 3D object, select the 3D object, and double-click the Extrude & Bevel (Classic) effect in Window > Appearance panel. Choose the bevel from the Bevel dropdown in the 3D Extrude & Bevel Options (Classic) dialog box.
  • For a 2D artwork, select the 2D object, and then select Effect > 3D and Materials > 3D Classic > Extrude & Bevel (Classic) and choose the bevel from the Bevel dropdown.