Draw your artwork on paper and scan or photograph it.
Last updated on
Oct 27, 2025
Convert 2D sketches or images into 3D vector artwork using Image Trace, extrusion, lighting, and shadow effects in Illustrator.
Trace your artwork into vector art
Convert a hand-drawn sketch into vector artwork using Image Trace. You can also download a sample 2D artwork to try on the go.
In Illustrator, select File > Place and import the image into your document.
Select the image and then select Object > Image Trace > Make to trace the image with default settings.
Select the traced artwork.
Select Window > 3D and Materials to open the 3D and Materials panel.
In the Object section, set values for Depth, Twist, and Taper.
Select Rotation > Presets > Off-Axis - Front and adjust the X, Y, and Z axis values (0°–160°) as needed.
Add lighting and shadows
After applying Materials to your 3D object, you can add lighting and shadow to it for depth and realism.
Select Lighting in the 3D and Materials panel.
Select a default preset like Standard, Diffuse, Top Left, or Right. To adjust the angle of the light, drag the light within the lighting widget or use the Rotation and Height sliders.
To add multiple lights, select Add Light . You can add up to 10 lights and adjust each one individually.
Tip
If there are multiple lights, select a light on the list to adjust its Color, Intensity, and Softness.
Select Ambient Light > Intensity and set a value ( 0%–200%).
Select the Shadows toggle button to apply a shadow. Use parameters like Position, Distance from the Object, and Shadow Bounds to customize a shadow effect.
Even if you have added multiple lights and enabled shadows, you'll see only one shadow in the real-time preview. To see the shadows of all the lights, switch to Render with Ray Tracing.
Design with precision in Illustrator
Bring your ideas to life with vector graphics tools built for creative freedom and accuracy.
