Use the Type tool to enter text.
Last updated on
Sep 11, 2025
Learn to create a 3D text effect using the Pen tool and anchor points in Adobe Illustrator.
You can create stylized 3D text by outlining text, duplicating shapes, and connecting paths to simulate depth.
Convert text to outlines
Set a bold or heavy font and font size in the Properties panel to enhance the 3D effect.
Select the text using the Selection tool and right-click and select Create Outlines to convert text into editable vector shapes.
Right-click the text and select Ungroup to separate the letters.
Right-click each letter and select Release Compound Path.
Delete inner paths of letters like B and O to create hollow shapes.
Apply depth to the text
Select the outlined letters and old Alt (Windows) or option (macOS) and then drag to duplicate the them.
Change the stroke color of the copy to differentiate between the original and the copied text.
Select the Pen tool or the Direct Selection tool to connect corresponding anchor points between the original and duplicated shapes.
Select two open anchor points and select Connect Selected End Points in the Control panel to form side faces.
Continue this process for all letters to form the 3D side faces.
Refine text appearance
Pen tool to manually draw 3D side faces by connecting corners of the original and offset shapes.
Set the Fill color to None and apply a visible Stroke color to outline these faces as you draw.
Once all side faces are created, select them and apply solid fill colors for a realistic 3D effect.
Remove the stroke from each 3D face to keep the look clean. You can also add a contrasting stroke around the complete letter group for added emphasis and clarity.
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