How do I create an outline of a 3D object?

[Anna-Bubbles]

Hi. I'd like to know how I can create a digital outline like this...



And turn it in to this. (By using either Photoshop, Corel or Illustrator.)



Basically, I want to create a black and white outline of a 3D shape. Being able to adjust the length of the 3D shape would be nice too. I really only want circles, squares triangles and rectangles. (The standard shapes built in to most programs.)

Thanks if you can help me out. The options I've tried always turn the object to a filled in 3D shape, not a black and white outline of a 3D shape.

[InstantIndian]

Is this along the lines of what you are looking for?



I used illustrator.

Use the rectangle tool to create a square. Then rotate the square. I used 45 degrees. Then copy the rectangle down and connect corners with the line tool. Do the same thing with the circles.

I am not exactly sure what you are trying to do, but you might try using Google Sketchup: http://sketchup.google.com/

[Anna-Bubbles]

Is this along the lines of what you are looking for?



I used illustrator.

Use the rectangle tool to create a square. Then rotate the square. I used 45 degrees. Then copy the rectangle down and connect corners with the line tool. Do the same thing with the circles.

I am not exactly sure what you are trying to do, but you might try using Google Sketchup: http://sketchup.google.com/

I like your method the most.

After creating the mesh, how do I create lines on the circle? (I tried pasting a screen shot in to Photoshop and using the pen tool, but it's a bit jagged since it doesn't know where to snap.) Is there a way I can select and delete lines in the mesh? The only lines I can select are the original circle lines. (Like that blue triangle line in Joe's screenshot.)

(Also after messing around with sketch-up, I'm really not liking the program. It's too difficult to rotate to the angle I want and I have no idea how to increase/decrease the width of the lines or eliminate the shaded area.)

[joeparis]

The nearest I can think of is with Illustrator's Extrude & Bevel feature under 3D. Using wireframe mode you will have a transparent lineart. It will only take a few minutes to draw over it and you have control over positioning and perspective.



Edit: The above suggestion of Sketchup is a good idea.

[joeparis]

Also, Groboto creates excellent line views of 3D objects. It's not free but it's cheap.

[Portus]

Easiest would be SketchUp.

[LuckyDevil]

basically i do it the way Instantindian does it, no need for other software, plus in illustrator you can drag points around to modify your shape.

quick example of how to do it.




same process to do other shapes.


hope this helps

[joeparis]

Yes, if you are not really interested in accurate perspective then it's easy.