3D and Materials panel options

Last updated on Sep 11, 2025

Explore the 3D and Materials panel to transform 2D artwork into dimensional designs with depth, textures, lighting, and surface effects.

Use the 3D and Materials panel to add realism, volume, and other surface effects to your vector artwork. To access the 3D and Materials panel, select Window > 3D and Materials.

Object options

3D Type

Convert flat 2D objects into realistic 3D shapes by choosing a type and adjusting its structural properties.

The 3D and Materials panel displays object type options such as Plane, Extrude, Revolve, Inflate, and shape modifiers such as Depth, Twist, Taper, and Cap. — Adjust the structure and appearance of 3D objects.

A. 3D Type B. Depth C. Twist D. Taper E. Cap

Option	Function
Plane	Keeps the object flat with no depth.
Extrude	Stretches the object to add depth.
Revolve	Spins the object around an axis to create a circular 3D shape.
Inflate	Puffs up the object for a balloon-like effect.
Depth	Sets how deep the object appears (0 to 2000).
Twist	Rotates the shape around its center (up to 360°).
Taper	Narrows the object from base to top (100%–1%).
Cap	Specifies whether the object appears solid or hollow.

Bevel

Stylize and refine the edges of a 3D object for more depth and definition. Adjust the profile, size, and direction to create smooth or decorative contours.

A. Bevel Shape B. Width C. Height D. Repeat E. Space F. Bevel Inside G. Bevel both sides H. Reset

Option	Function
Bevel Shape	Sets the edge style, such as rounded or angular.
Width	Controls how far the bevel extends from the edge.
Height	Changes how tall or deep the bevel appears.
Repeat	Repeats the bevel shape pattern along the bevelled edge for decorative effects.
Space	Adjusts the spacing between repeated bevel shapes when Repeat is applied.
Bevel Inside	Applies the bevel inward rather than outward from the edge surface.
Bevel both sides	Applies the bevel effect to both the front and back of the object.
Reset	Restores all bevel settings to their default values.

Rotation

Change the angle, orientation, and perspective of a 3D object along the X, Y, and Z axes.

A. Presets B. Rotate vertically C. Rotate horizontally D. Circular rotation E. Perspective

Option	Function
Presets	Applies rotation presets based on direction, axis, and isometrics.
X	Rotates the object vertically (-180° to 180°).
Y	Rotates the object horizontally (-180° to 180°).
Z	Rotates the object in a circle (-180° to 180°).
Perspective	Adjusts how close or far the object appears (0° to 160°).

Materials options

Apply surface styles, textures, and graphics to 3D objects. Choose from built-in materials or add custom artwork.

The Materials section in the 3D and Materials panel displays options for applying base and Adobe Substance Materials, adjusting properties, importing assets from Substance libraries and communities, adding or deleting materials, and mapping graphics onto 3D surfaces. — Apply base materials, Substance assets, adjust material properties, and map graphics to 3D objects.

A. Base Materials B. Adobe Substance Materials C. Substance 3D assets D. Properties E. Substance 3D community assets F. Add and Delete Materials and Graphics G. Graphics

Option	Function
Base Materials	Applies the default preset material.
Adobe Substance Materials	Adds preset textures from the Adobe Substance library.
Find more materials on Substance 3D assets	Access additional materials from the Adobe Substance 3D library.
Find more materials on Substance 3D community assets	Adds materials from the Adobe Substance community.
Add Materials and Graphics	Adds new materials or maps artwork onto the object as a graphic.
Delete	Removes a custom or applied material from the object.
Graphics	Maps graphics or text onto your 3D effect.
Properties	Adjusts surface roughness and metallic intensity (0–1 range).

Lighting options

Set up how your 3D object is lit. Choose from presets, move lights around, or adjust their color, intensity, and softness.

Light Presets

Option	Function
Presets	Applies pre-configured lighting effects like Standard, Diffuse, Top Left, or Right to your artwork.
Lighting widget	Lets you drag and position light sources around the object.
Light source	Lets you add multiple light sources for more realistic lighting.
Move selected light to the back/front of object	Moves the selected light to the back of the object when in front and vice versa.
List of lights	Displays all lights currently applied to a 3D object.
Add Light	Adds a new customizable light source to the scene.
Delete Light	Removes the selected light from the list.

Light Settings

Lighting controls in the 3D and Materials panel, displays options to change light Color, Intensity, Rotation, Height, Softness, and Ambient Light Intensity. — Enhance the illumination and depth of 3D objects.

A. Color B. Intensity C. Rotation D. Height E. Softness F. Ambient Light

Option	Function
Color	Changes the color of the selected light.
Intensity	Adjusts the selected light’s brightness (0% to 100%).
Rotation	Rotates the focus of light around the object (-180° to 180°).
Height	Moves the light up or down (0° to 90°), affecting how long or short the shadow appears.
Softness	Controls how soft or sharp the light appears (0% to 100%).
Ambient Light	Sets the overall background light level (0% to 200%).

Shadow settings

Control the shadow’s position, distance, and spread when shadows are toggled on.

Shadow section in the 3D and Materials panel, displays options to set shadow position, adjust the distance from the object, and define shadow bounds. — Manage shadow position, distance, and bounds for realistic depth in 3D objects.

A. Position B. Distance from Object C. Shadow Bounds

Option	Function
Position	Places the shadow either Behind Object or Below Object.
Distance from Object	Moves the shadow closer or farther (0%–100%).
Shadow Bounds	Expands or shrinks the area the shadow covers (10%–400%).

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