Working with textures can be complicated. After all, you need it to look realistic and be able to add finer details that can lend it the variance of usual objects. This can be done with the help of normal maps, but what many people don’t know is that this is a feature you can achieve even with software like Photoshop. But you may wonder, how do you use normal maps with CS6?

Photoshop CS6 has a built-in feature that not just lets you create detailed 3D elements but also edit and create normal maps. You can do this by using the Generate Normal Map window in Photoshop. The window will allow you to change how the light looks over certain shapes and can also give you the option to adjust details and blur over the texture. 

Using normal maps is essential, especially when creating elements for 3D games or artwork. This can be a great way to improve how realistic items look, as the normal ways that textures overlay on top of shapes can make them look jarring and strange. You can make your work stand out and feel instantly real with just a few adjustments to the normal map.

Creating Normal Maps In Photoshop CS6

Because 3D features are not available in Photoshop versions before CS6, that is something you need to keep in mind when attempting this tutorial. However, if you have Photoshop CS6 or ahead, you can use it to create normal maps. These maps are useful because they allow you to replicate lighting on 3D features without much additional work realistically.

If you want to create a texture with a normal map, here are the steps that you will need to follow:

1. Open up the Photoshop application, and open up the texture you want to use, and then switch over to the 3D-specific workspace.
2. Once you are there, you will be able to see the 3D panel.
3. From the panel, select the option ‘Mesh from Preset.’
4. You can now choose the shape you want to create a 3D element of.
5. Now, select create to create a 3D subject with your texture overlaid on top of it.
6. Now, go back to the 3D panel and select the object that includes the term ‘_material.’

With all of this work done, you are now ready to create the normal map you are looking for. Remember, you want to create a map that can help you create realistic lighting. To do this, you will need to make some changes to this 3D element. 

1. Once you have selected the material, the property channel will change to show you options relating to the material you chose.
2. The texture will be on the base color channel. From here, you will be able to see a button at the bottom of that, which is labeled as ‘Normal.’
3. Select the button, and then choose ‘Generate Normals from Base Color.’
4. Wait a few seconds, and then the Generate Normal Map Window will come up. 

Here is a video explaining this process:

In the Normal Map Window, you can adjust how the lighting will look. There is a preview of the shape, which comes in handy as you change contrast details and other items. In addition to this, you can also adjust the Blur, depending on the look that you are searching for, and even scale and adjust the details. What you choose to input can depend on a number of factors.

How To Save Your Textured Image On Photoshop

If you want to be able to continue editing this 3D element in Photoshop and other advanced 3D software, it is important to consider how you save it. For example, saving as PNG or JPEG files can lead to too much compression and can impact the quality of your work. This is why it is recommended that you instead save your files in the TIFF format. 

The 3D file can then be used inside whatever further applications you would like, and you can even add it to a game engine directly. 

Final Thoughts

Once you start using normal maps, it is hard to go back, as this small change can have a huge impact on how realistic your items look. If you really want to upgrade your 3D creations, using normal maps from Photoshop cS5 is the way to go! And remember, the more you play around with the options, the better your end results can be.

If you’ve ever needed to make a trapezoid in Adobe Illustrator and glanced at the shape tools, you may have been left surprised. After all, while you have a rectangle, polygon, ellipse, and star, there is no such thing as a trapezoid shape tool. So, if you are in a situation where you need to make a trapezoid shape in Illustrator, what should you do?

There are three main ways to make the trapezoid shape in Adobe Illustrator. This involves making the trapezoid from a rectangle tool, from the polygon tool, or even freehanding with the pen tool. These methods vary by complexity and can give you different kinds of options if you want to create different shapes.

If you are ready to start making trapezoids on your Adobe Illustrator software, you are looking at the right resource. Join us as we dive into three methods that can allow you to create this fascinating shape and how using the built-in vector tools can allow you to create all kinds of shapes! So keep reading to learn more about the versatile shapes tool in Illustrator!

How To Create A Trapezoid In Illustrator

There Is no trapezoid shape in Illustrator, but this shouldn’t hold you back. There are three methods with which you can create a whole new trapezoid, and all you need to do is use the built-in shapes tool. The methods can cater to different levels of difficulty, so make sure you choose one that works best for you!

Using The Rectangle Shape Tool

The first method we will discuss is relatively simple and uses the rectangle shape tool already in the Illustrator software. Here are the steps you need to know:

1. Run Illustrator on your computer and open up a file.
2. Now, choose the Rectangle Tool from the Illustrator toolbar. You can also use the keyboard shortcut M to get the tool active.
3. Click and drag on the canvas to create a new rectangle shape. 
4. Select the Direct Selection Tool on the toolbar. You can also use the keyboard shortcut A to get the tool active.
5. Once the tool is active, click the top of the rectangle, so you have selected the two corner points at the very top. 
6. Use the Scale Tool from the toolbar or the keyboard shortcut S. 
7. Click outside the shape, and then drag upwards.
8. This will scale the two selected points.

As you will see on your canvas, this creates the trapezoid shape you are looking for. If you want to see a video version of this process, here is an excellent option:

Using A Polygon Shape Tool

Next, you can always use the polygon tool to create a trapezoid. Here’s how this works:

1. Launch Illustrator and open up the file in question, or start a new one.
2. Now, click the Polygon Tool from the shapes tool menu.
3. Hold down shift, and then click and drag to create a polygon.
4. Now, choose the Delete Anchor Point Tool or use the keyboard shortcut.
5. Hold down Shift, and then click the polygon’s corners at the bottom. 

You will now be able to get a trapezoid shape, but you may need some adjustments. If you want to adjust the other anchors, use the Direct Selection Tool (the keyboard shortcut is A).

Using The Pen Tool

Finally, the last way to create a trapezoid is to use the Pen Tool on Illustrator to create your own custom shape. This may need some adjustment, but it is an excellent way to create trapezoid shapes quickly, and you can even make it a custom shape in Illustrator! Here’s how this works:

1. Launch Illustrator, and open up a new file.
2. Now, activate the Pen Tool, or use the keyboard shortcut P for the same result.
3. Create five anchor points in the shape of a trapezoid.
4. Ensure the last click connects to the first and closes the pathway.

And there you have it! You will now have a trapezoid! Remember, a perfect trapezoid does not have any right angles, so one way to get around making the ideal shape is to make two right-angled shapes and combine them using the shape builder tool. 

Final Thoughts

So there you have it! There are three methods you can use to create a trapezoid shape, and with the right amount of practice, you will be able to create them in no time! This article was helpful in exploring the shape tools on Illustrator; you now have the power to create trapezoids whenever you want!

If you have ever tried to make a trapezoid using Photoshop, you may have noticed that there is no built-in tool to the software with that shape. So, if you really need a trapezoid in your artwork or design project, what methods can you use?

While there is no specific trapezoid tool in Photoshop, there are other ways to get this shape. Namely, you can create one by using the line tool or the brush tool by freehanding the shape and using guides. You can also use the existing shapes, such as the rectangle tool, or even the polygon tool, to get the same results. 

No matter your method, you are bound to get a decent trapezoid shape, and you can still incorporate this shape into your work. If you are curious about what you need to know to get started, we have all the methods listed in this article! Keep reading for more information on bringing a trapezoid to life while using Adobe Photoshop!

Creating A Trapezoid In Photoshop

Unfortunately, Adobe Photoshop does not include a trapezoid in its repertoire of built-in shapes tools. However, that does not mean creating this shape in Adobe Photoshop is impossible. In fact, there are many different ways that artists and designers work around this missing shape! We are going to take a look at some of these methods in the sections below. 

Using The Line Tool

If you want to go for a simplistic style with your trapezoid, you can use the line tool to create the outline of a trapezoid. 

1. Launch Adobe Photoshop on your computer. 
2. Select the Line Tool from the shapes menu in your toolbar.
3. Now, create the shape of the trapezoid using the line segments, and make sure to connect them at the end to close the shape.
4. You can use guides or a reference picture to create the perfect trapezoid shape. 

With just a little bit of line work, you can easily create a trapezoid shape that you can use in your projects and artwork!

Using The Rectangle Shape Tool

One of the easiest ways of creating a trapezoid in Photoshop is to start off by using the Rectangle Shape Tool. Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. In Photoshop, open up a new file.
2. Select the Rectangle Tool from the toolbar, or use the shortcut U to activate the tool.
3. Now, click and drag a rectangle shape you like on your canvas. 
4. Once you have the shape ready, select the path selection tool.
5. Click on the outline of the rectangle, and you will see that the anchor points will become active. 
6. Right-click on the selection, and then choose the option ‘Free Transform Path.’
7. Right-click again, and then choose the option ‘Skew.’
8. Move the two anchor points at the top to be closer together, ensuring they are at the same angle from the bottom.

You have now made a perfect trapezoid!

Using The Polygon Shape Tool

Another great way of using the existing shapes is to use the polygon shape tool. The default polygon has five sides, so you won’t have to make too much of a change to use it to create a trapezoid. Here’s how you can do this: 

1. Launch Adobe Photoshop, and then select the Polygon Tool.
2. Click and drag the Polygon to create the size you are looking for.
3. Now, select the Path Selection Tool.
4. Select the outline, and then move your cursor to the topmost anchor point.
5. Right-click and choose ‘Delete Anchor Point.’

A complete trapezoid will be made!

Freehand Drawing Using The Brush Tool

If you are comfortable with using the brush tool in Photoshop and are confident with your skills, you can also freehand a brand-new trapezoid! All you need to do to make this happen is to use the Brush Tool (the keyboard shortcut is B) and freehand a trapezoid shape. 

One tip when doing this is that you can hold down the Shift key while drawing lines to make sure they are straight. 

Here is a video of someone using this method:

Final Thoughts

It’s not easy to imagine where a trapezoid will come from when you look at the options on Photoshop. However, with a few steps here and there, you will be able to create your own trapezoid in no time! We hope this article was helpful in understanding the many ways that you can incorporate a trapezoid with Photoshop.

Are the colors of your text and your background clashing in your design? This can be a nuisance and may need clarification. Sometimes designs work better with no background. A background is often unnecessary, especially if the design is to be printed on items. Try the transparent background tool in PicMonkey to achieve this. 

To remove the background from designs with text, select your background layer, go to the Background Tools, and click Background Color. Here, check the Transparent option. You will be done. 

To learn more about what PicMonkey offers and how to make use of tools that help enhance your designs, continue reading. This article further explains the benefits of transparent backgrounds in graphic design and how to remove the background from images. 

Why Are Transparent Backgrounds Useful In Graphic Designing? 

Transparent backgrounds are mostly used in graphic designing, especially in logos and packaging designs to put on mugs or merchandise. 

Multiple Levels In Design

Multiple layers of elements like texts, shapes, and pictures can be built when the background is transparent. Depth and dimension can be added to designs. A visually appealing design is made where viewers may focus on certain elements that attract them. 

Adds Space

The absence of background and opacity gives an illusion of increased space. By overlapping and blending, multiple texts and images may be added in a limited canvas area. This also helps in the organization of elements and gives off a clear look.  

Helpful In Packaging Designs

We all appreciate the packaging, which helps us look at the product. When backgrounds are kept transparent, the product is visible through the packaging. The product attracts its own customer base and speaks for itself. Some text or pictures with information may still be added to the packaging, but the area of focus for customers would be the product. 

Overprinting

The depth of designs can be beautiful. Overprinting in this context refers to adding texts and images on top of each other in varying colors and fonts. This removes any hierarchy between the two and provides equal emphasis on both. Visually, it looks appealing, and viewers often appreciate it. 

How To Make A Transparent Background In Designs With Text?

Are you looking to make a PNG file where the background is entirely transparent? You can do this in PicMonkey if your PNG file only contains the text for absolutely no cost! Sounds great. The instructions given below will guide you through the process. 

1. Open your design. 
2. Add the text that you would like to have on your design. 
3. Once you are done, select the Background Layer.
4. Go to the Background Tools menu and click Background Color. 
5. Place a checkmark next to Transparent. 
6. The background will be removed. 

Does PicMonkey Allow Removal Of Background In Images?

PicMonkey has a free version accessible to all users and provides ease for every level. However, the premium, paid version is where the app offers multiple other features that enhance your designs. 

One such feature is the removal of background from images. Pro subscribers of PicMonkey get access to a tool that makes the backgrounds of images transparent. Sadly, free users do not get this. 

How To Remove The Background From Pictures In PicMonkey?

If you have a picture that you want to erase the background of while keeping the subject visible only, follow the steps below. 

1. Open the image in PicMonkey.
2. Go to Background ToolS.
3. Click on the Remove Bkgnd option. 
4. The background will be erased in a while.
5. If your picture is not eligible for background removal, an error will appear. 

How To Remove The Background From Pictures In A Design In PicMonkey?

Designs often include multiple layers. Some of these layers may have images in them. If you want to remove the background from an image and make it transparent, follow these steps.

1. Locate the layer that contains the image. 
2. In the Layers panel, select the image layer. 
3. Open the Image Tools.
4. Select Remove Bkgnd. 
5. Your image will not have a background now. 

How To Remove The Background From Pictures For Free In PicMonkey?

It is okay if you cannot get the premium version of PicMonkey. We have got you, and we will guide you through the process of removing the background from an image. This is more work and less seamless than the Pro version provides. 

1. Open the app. 
2. Add your picture to the canvas. 
3. Zoom into the picture as much as you can.
4. Choose the Eraser tool. 
5. Begin erasing the background till you are satisfied. 
6. Once you are done, save it as a PNG. 

To help you guide through this process further, watch this video:

Conclusion

You are armed with one of the necessary tools that you need to enhance and improve your designs. Printing designs without backgrounds are also very seamless. Transparency is great in real life but even better in design.

Have you conquered everything in Illustrator, including all the shapes? Do you need clarification about stars and their purpose? We have got you and are here to help. 

Select the Star Tool and drag your cursor on the Artboard. You can then adjust the star’s shape, size, and color. 

Continue reading to learn more ways of drawing stars that look more realistic or animated. This article will teach you keyboard shortcuts and how to draw twinkling stars in Illustrator. 

How To Make A Star Using The Star Tool In Illustrator?

To make a star using the Star Tool:

1. Open a new document in Illustrator.
2. Select the Star Tool from the Tools panel.
3. Click and drag on the Artboard to create a star shape. 
4. Click the Shift key to ensure the star is symmetrical before you release your cursor. 
5. Release the cursor, and you are done. 

How To Change The Length Of The Star’s Spikes?

1. Select the Star tool. 
2. Click and drag your cursor on the canvas.
3. Before releasing the mouse, click the Alt key.
4. If you drag the cursor outwards, you will see that the spikes of the stars will get longer and narrower. 
5. If you drag the cursor inwards, the star spikes will get shorter and thicker. 

How To Increase The Number Of Points In A Star In Illustrator?

To increase the number of hands that a star has:

1. Open the “Star” tool in Adobe Illustrator.
2. Click and drag on the Artboard to create a star shape.
3. Double-click on the star shape to open the Star Tool Options.
4. Change the number of points in the “Points” field. Click “OK” to confirm the changes.
5. If you want to make this quicker, you can use keyboard shortcuts.
6. While dragging the cursor across the canvas with the Star tool selected, press the up or down arrow keys. 
7. The up arrow key will increase the star’s number of points, while the down arrow key will decrease the number of points. 

How To Make A Star Brush In Illustrator?

You can make a star brush and customize it for use later. To do so:

1. Open Adobe Illustrator and select the Star Tool from the Tools palette.
2. Click and drag the mouse to create a star shape.
3. Once you are happy with the size and color of it, select the star and go to the brush dropdown menu. 
4. Here click New Brush. Choose the type of brush you are adding and name your brush. 
5. The star brush is now available in the Brush palette after you click Paintbrush. 

How To Make Twinkling Stars In Illustrator?

We have all heard the rhyme, and we love seeing them. To make twinkling stars follow the instructions below. 

1. Create a new document in Illustrator.
2. Select the Ellipse Tool and draw a circle. 
3. Set the Stroke to None and change the circle’s color to any color you choose. 
4. Go To Effect > Distort and Transform > Pucker and Bloat.
5. In the dialogue box that opens, drag the slider to the left or towards the pucker side. 
6. We recommend a value of -70%.
7. Now go to Object > Expand Appearance. This is to match the path with the shape. 
8. This is your primary star. To add smaller ones, select the star. 
9. Go to Edit > Copy and then Paste in Place. 
10. Take your cursor on top of your primary star and drag away. 
11. A new star will appear. Resize this and continue dragging and adding smaller stars around the primary one to give the sparkling effect. 

For additional help, watch this Youtube video:

How To Add A Twinkling Star In The Symbols Panel?

Do you want to save the star you made for future use? We will show you how to do this. Follow the steps below. 

1. Go to Window. 
2. The Click symbols. The symbols panel will open. 
3. Drag your star into the panel. 
4. A symbol options window will open. 
5. Name the star here. 
6. Click OK. 

How To Make A Preset From This?

Saving the twinkling star into your symbols panel already saved it, but what if you want to use it as a brush and add multiple stars? To do so:

1. Go to the Symbol Sprayer tool in the panel. 
2. Select the star from the symbol window.
3. While holding your mouse, drag the cursor around. 
4. This will add multiple stars all over the canvas. 

Conclusion

You would not think stars are dynamic objects or additions in designs, but you can be creative with anything and make it stand out. Stars have long been used in advertisements, and we do not see the trend dying soon. Learning how to insert stars in designs could pay off well.

You know the basic shapes, right? The star is right there next to them when it comes to important shapes that have an impact. 

To make a star in InDesign, use the polygon tool, draw a polygon, select the number of sides to 5, and set the Star Inset to 50%. You will have a star.

Keep reading to learn more ways to make stars and use keyboard shortcuts. 

How To Use The Polygon Tool To Make A Star In InDesign?

To use the Polygon tool to make a star in InDesign, follow these steps:

1. Open the InDesign file you want to use for your star.
2. Select the Polygon tool from the Tools panel. 
3. Click and immediately release your mouse on the canvas. 
4. The options will open up. 
5. Here, you will see the Polygon width, height, number of sides, and Star Inset. 
6. Leave the width and height as it is, and insert the number of sides to 5 or more. 
7. Then set the Star Inset. The greater the Star inset, the more the polygon will look like a star. We recommend 50%, but you can experiment until you find what you think is best. 
8. Now click OK, and a star will appear. 

For more assistance, watch this video: 

How To Add Multiple Stars In The Same Shape?

Drawing multiple stars individually is too much work. We bring you a method of drawing a grid of stars with some shortcuts. 

1. Select the Polygon Tool. 
2. Click and release the mouse. 
3. In the dialogue box, enter the preferred settings. 
4. Now click on the canvas and drag. 
5. Without releasing the mouse, click the Up arrow key from your keyboard to add more stars above the star.
6. If you want to add stars on the right side of the star, you can use the right arrow.
7. To delete the stars, click the down arrow key to delete stars from above and the left arrow key to delete the stars on the right. 

How To Add Sides To The Star Using Keyboard Options In InDesign?

If you have already set the number of sides to your star but want to increase the number, here is how to do it. 

1. Click on the canvas and drag your mouse. 
2. Before releasing it, press the spacebar and then the Up arrow key. 
3. If you want to decrease the number of sides, press the Down arrow key. 
4. Release the mouse once you are done. 

How To Increase Star Inset Using Keyboard Options In InDesign?

To increase the Star Inset, use the keyboard keys:

1. Click on the canvas and drag. 
2. Before releasing the mouse, tap the spacebar.
3. Without releasing the mouse, tap the right arrow key to increase the star inset. 
4. To decrease the star inset, tap the left arrow key. 
5. Once you are satisfied with the shape, release the mouse.

How To Make Stars Symmetrical In InDesign?

For stars to look visually appealing, they need to be symmetrical. Each side must correspond with the other. This may not seem very clear, but carrying out this process in InDesign is very easy. 

1. Click and drag on the canvas without releasing the mouse. 
2. While you are still holding the mouse, tap the shift key. 
3. Your star will have perfect symmetry. 

How To Change The Size Of The Stars In InDesign?

Did you drag your cursor too far away, and you made a star bigger than the one you wanted? Please do not fret; you can change its size once you are done. To do so:

1. Select the star which you would like to alter. 
2. A rectangular shape would appear on its sides. 
3. On the corners are small circles. Take your cursor here. 
4. Drag the circle outwards or inwards as you would like. 
5. If you want to be more precise, look at the measurements given in the W and H columns in the panel on top. 
6. Change the number to whatever you think is best for your design. 

How To Fill The Stars With Colors InDesign?

More than making stars is required; you need to fill them in with the right color. To fill the stars with colors in Adobe InDesign, follow these simple steps:

1. Select the star shape or text object you want to color.
2. Choose the Fill tool from the toolbar and click on the desired Color.
3. Choose the Stroke tool from the toolbar and click on the desired line width.
4. Drag the color slider to adjust the intensity of the Color. 

Conclusion

Look at that. You are not just taking away information about how to make pretty stars but also how to incorporate the usage of your keyboard to use shortcuts. These can save you plenty of time and speed up operations.

Are you bored with all the brushes that you have been using? We know. It can get redundant and repetitive. Installing the brushes can be daunting, but we will walk you through the process to make it easier. 

To install the paint tool brushes, locate the Paint Tool SAI files, locate The Brushes, unzip The Files, find the corresponding Conf Files, and edit the conf files to add the brush. 

To learn the process in detail, continue reading. 

How To Install The Brushes In Paint Tool SAI? 

To install brushes in Paint Tool SAI, there are multiple steps involved. We will walk you through the steps in detail, as they may be confusing. 

A Youtube video that may help in this process is:

How To Locate The Paint Tool SAI Files On Your Computer?

The first step is to locate the files on your computer. The Paint Tool SAI files can be located on your computer by going to the directory where the program was installed. 

Generally, the files are located in C:/Program Files/PaintTool SAI or C:/Program Files (x86)/PaintTool SAI. 

Another way to access the directory is to right-click on the Paint Tool SAI icon on the desktop and select “Properties.” In the “General” tab, you will find the “Location” field, which will list the directory where the program files are stored.

How To Locate The Brushes In Paint Tool SAI Files Directory?

When you open the SAI files, you will see multiple folders. The folders that contain the brushes are labeled as “blotmap,” “elemap,” and “brushtex.” Map refers to brush shape. Let us discuss what the three folders contain. 

• Blotmap – Blotmap contains different brush shapes. An “elemap” contains brush shapes too, but they are categorized separately because of their properties. Blotmap contains brush shapes which are thicker and contain texture. They can be coarse and grainy. 
• Elemap – An “elemap” also contains brush shapes. However, these brush strokes are thinner and more delicate. These are also smoother and more refined than those in blotmap. 
• Brushtex – This folder contains the different textures of brushes. Textures add detail to the swatches. For example a splatter texture may be used. 

All of these folders contain files in the .BMP format. These are like .JPG files and contain images. 

How To Copy The Images Of The Brush Set We Want?

Once you have located the folders, you need to pick out the brushes you want to install in Paint Tool SAI. Open and unzip the folders. You will need to come back to this step later. 

What Are Conf Files?

A conf file is a text file that contains configuration information for a program. It typically contains options that control how the program behaves.

Each folder has conf files: brushform.conf and brushtex.conf. Brushform.conf contains all the brush shapes, while brushtex.conf contains all the brush textures. These files need to be edited and configured so they can perform the tasks we want them to do. 

How To Configure Conf Files?

This part may seem too tech savvy, but we will pull it together. Do not sweat it. Let’s go. 

1. Double-click on the conf file of your choice, like brushtex.conf or brushform.conf. 
2. This will open Notepad. If the notepad does not open directly, try to right-click and click edit or open from the options given. 
3. The text on the notepad will show you all the brushes the file contains. Each line will have the text for a new brush and end in .bmp. For example, 2,elemap/flat bristle.bmp is one line. 
4. If you want to add more brushes or brush textures, here is what to do:
   1. Go back to the file you unzipped. Look at the name of the file. If it is a brushtex folder, you will add this when configuring the brushtex.conf file. If it is an elemap or blotmap, you will be adding this to the brushform.conf file. 
   2. The text that you will add to the Notepad will have numbering. For brushtex.conf, each line will start with 1. For brushform.conf, elemaps will start with 2, and blotmaps will start with 1. 
   3. For example, you want to add the Fly brush. This is from the elemap folder. You will write “2, elemap/Fly.bmp”. You will follow this format for all brushes that you add. 

Quick Recap Of The Process

Let us simplify now. 

1. Locate the Paint Tool SAI files. 
2. Locate The Brushes.
3. Unzip The Files.
4. Find the corresponding Conf Files.
5. Edit the conf files to add the brush. 

Conclusion

We know this can be overwhelming, but be patient and pay attention to each step. You can always go back and forth and learn from your mistakes. Do not give up.

Did you know Illustrator has long introduced the 3D effect feature in its software? This has helped kick off the careers of so many artists and allowed people to experience how they want to. 

To make a sphere in Illustrator, draw a circle, then go to Effect> 3D > Revolve. Select the Sphere preset and click OK. 

This article covers several different shapes that can be made in Illustrator using the 3D effect. Continue reading to learn more. 

Why Are 3D Objects Used In Illustrations?

3D objects can be used to create realistic, highly-detailed illustrations that can be used to explain a concept or idea better. They illustrate complex concepts in a way that is easier for viewers to understand. 

Apart from highlighting important features of an object or image, 3D objects can be manipulated to create unique and interesting compositions. Viewers get an immersive experience, allowing them to explore and engage with an illustration more meaningfully. 

What Are Some 3D Shapes That Can Be Made In Illustrator?

Some 3D shapes that can be made in Illustrator are as follows:

• Cube
• Pyramid
• Cone
• Cylinder
• Rectangular Prism
• Sphere

How To Make A Sphere In Illustrator By Adding Gradient?

1. Select the Ellipse tool and draw a circle. 
2. Select the Mesh tool from the panel. 
3. Click where you would like to add the gradient.
4. Then from the color swatches panel, choose the color with which you want to add the gradient. 
5. You can add more points to the sphere by adding more Mesh points to the sphere. 
6. To adjust the anchor points, you can use the direct selection tool to move colors around and experiment. 
7. Once you are happy with your work, save your document. 

How To Make A Sphere In Illustrator Using 3D Effect?

To make a sphere:

1. Open Adobe Illustrator and create a new document.
2. Select the Ellipse Tool (L) and draw a circle on the Artboard.
3. Click Ctrl + C or Command + C to copy. Then click Ctrl + F or Command + F. 
4. In the layers panel, lock the lower layer and turn off its visibility. We shall return to this later. 
5. Next, choose the Selection tool. Select the left side of the circle only and hit delete. You will be left with the semi-circle. 
6. With the ellipse selected, go to effect, then 3D, and then Revolve.
7. In the dialogue box, choose Position to Front. 
8. You will see a sphere now. 
9. To add the shadow to the sphere, go back to the layer in step 4 and make it visible. 
10. Drag this to a side and add a black-and-white gradient. 
11. Set the gradient to 100% black and the opacity to 0%.
12. Now use the direct selection tool to decrease the size of this circle. Minimize it to make it a vertical oval. 
13. Move this below the sphere. Adjust the gradient if needed. 
14. Right-click on the oval > Adjust > Bring Backward.
15. Copy this oval and add it wherever needed while adjusting its shadows and gradient. 
16. When it looks realistic, you are done. 

Watch this video for more information.

How To Make A Cube In Illustrator Using 3D Effect?

To make a cube:

1. Select the Rectangle Tool from the Tools palette.
2. Click anywhere on the Artboard to open the Rectangle dialog box.
3. Enter the side length of your cube into the Width and Height fields.
4. Select the 3D > Extrude and Bevel option from the Effect menu.
5. Click the Preview checkbox and select the Preview Mode from the dropdown menu to see any changes you may make while working on this.
6. Adjust the extrude and bevel settings to your preference.
7. Click OK to apply the 3D effect and create your cube.  

How To Make A Cylinder In Illustrator Without Using 3D Effect?

To make a cylinder that gives the illusion of a 3D effect:

1. Open Adobe Illustrator and create a new document.
2. Select the Ellipse tool and draw a circle. 
3. Lock this layer.
4. Then click on the circle and drag it. A new circle will appear.
5. Place this circle under the first circle at a distance. 
6. Select the pen tool and draw two lines on either side of the circles to join the circles. 
7. Now go to Object and then click Group. 
8. Now use the Mesh tool to add points to the cylinder. 
9. Now add gradients as you wish. You can move the Mesh around and alter the gradient. 

Conclusion

3D art is the future, from what we hear. It is always possible to attain the skills of making 3D art, experimenting with different shapes, and finding what works best for you. So go ahead and put this information to use; we are vouching for you here.

If you are unable to draw a wavy line using the pen tool, don’t worry. There are ways to make a wavy line in Illustrator through some of the built-in software tools. So, how do you make a wavy line in Illustrator?

The ZigZag effect, which can be found under the Distort & Transform option, is the simplest way to make a traditional wavy line. The Curvature Tool or Envelope Distort are two tools you may use to create lovely wavy lines if you want to be inventive. You may also use the Live Corner Widgets to create them.

Keep reading below as we describe how to do this in more detail.

How To Make A Wavy Line In Illustrator

You can make a wavy line in Illustrator by following the instructions in this section.

For more information on how to draw a wavy line in Illustrator, watch this video below:

Utilizing Distort and Transform

Step 1: Start by drawing a straight line with the Line Segment Tool ().

Step 2: Choose Effect > Distort & Transform > Zig Zag from the top panel. The standard zig-zag effect (the Points setting) is Corner, and you will see that in a pop-up window that will appear.

Step 3: Switch the Points setting to Smooth. The Size and Ridges per segment may be adjusted appropriately. Size and Ridges per Segment dictate the frequency of waves and the distance each wave will travel from the midline, respectively.

Step 4: Click “OK.”

Using Curvature Tool

Step 1: Draw a line. To create a line, utilize the Pen Tool or Line Segment Tool. Because we’ll be bending it to generate waves anyhow, it may be either straight or curved.

Step 2: Press Shift +’ to choose the Curvature Tool.

Step 3: To create a curve, click and drag the straight line upward or downward. When you click, anchor points are added to the line. So, after clicking the mouse once, you will have inserted one anchor point and pulled it downward.

Step 4: To make a wave, click on the line once again and move the anchor point upward or downward. For instance, you will need to drag up the following anchor point if you dragged down the prior one.

The wave will begin to take shape. 

Using Envelope Distort

Step 1: From the menu, choose the Rectangle Tool (M), and draw a lengthy rectangle—anything with a thick line appearance.

Step 2: Make a copy of the line (rectangle).

To repeat the procedure and create other copies of the line, click the duplicated line and press Command + D.

Step 3: With all lines selected, choose Object > Envelope Distort > Make with Mesh from the top panel. Click “Ok” after selecting the columns and rows. You have more waves as you add additional columns.

Step 4: Click and drag to choose the top two columns using the Direct Selection Tool (A) that you selected from the toolbar. Anchor points may be seen on the rows after the columns are chosen.

All rows will move in the same direction if you click and drag the line that connects the two columns’ anchor points.

Step 5: Repeat Step 4 for the following two columns. You now understand what to do. Repeat the process for the final two columns. 

You’re done now! To create additional unique effects using the wavy lines, you may also click on certain anchor points on the rows and columns.

Using the “Live Corner Widgets”

You can also use the live corner widgets to create a wavy line. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Enable the “Smart Guides”

As you draw your lines, the “Smart Guides” will assist you in keeping them organized. 

• Use the keyboard shortcut “Ctrl+U” to enable them, or choose “View” > “Smart Guides” from the main panel.

Step 2: Create a Zig-Zag Line

• Use the “Pen Tool” (P) to make a zigzag pattern.
• Click once on the canvas and once more diagonally further up. Eventually, if you drop down diagonally one more click, you’ll reach a mountain.
• The “Smart Guides” will assist you in maintaining the same height in both directions by showing a pink guide when it reaches the same height as you move forward with every click.
• Continue it as often as necessary. When finished, use the “Selection Tool” by pressing the “V” key to remove the anchor point.

Step 3: Curve the Spikes

• Now, while it stays selected, switch to the “Direct Selection Tool” (A) after you are through with the zigzag line.
• Then, you’ll see that every one of the pikes has a set of tiny, round handles. These are the “Live Corner Widgets,” a tool in Illustrator that makes it quick and easy to round the edges of any object.
• Simply click one of the handles and drag it downward; the more you drag, the more curved the line will become.

Conclusion

And there you are. In this article, we looked at three of the best methods you can use to create a wavy line in Illustrator. We hope that the instructions in this article are easy to understand and follow. Happy editing!

In Photoshop, using triangles is a terrific method to build more intricate designs. Understanding how to create a triangle in Photoshop is initially not as clear. That is, until you realize how simple it is to construct a triangle from scratch.

To make a triangle in Photoshop, there are a few tools that you can use. These include the triangle tool, the polygon tool, and finally, the pen tool. All you need to do is select the tool you’d like to work with and specify some parameters.

This tutorial will show you how to create a triangle in Photoshop. Keep reading below to learn more!

What Is A Triangle?

An object in space with three consecutive sides and three angles is called a triangle. The shape of a triangle has the fewest sides of any polygon (3 sides). It is among the fundamental geometric forms. A triangle’s three angles are always divisible by 180 degrees.

Triangle Varieties

Triangles may be divided into six primary categories based on their sides and angles:

• Equilateral Triangle = 3 equal sides
• Isosceles Triangle = 2 equal sides
• Scalene Triangle = no equal sides
• Acute Triangle = 3 angles < 90 degrees
• Right Triangle = an angle of 90 degrees                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Making a Triangle in Photoshop

You can make a triangle in Photoshop following the instructions in this section. 

For more information on how to create a triangle in Photoshop, watch this video below:

Using The Triangle Tool

The easiest way to create a triangle in Photoshop may be used when you have no prior experience with the application. 

1. You only need to select the Triangle tool from the toolbar on the left to use this method.
2. If the triangle icon is missing and you only see a rectangle, just right-click the Shape tool and select the appropriate choice. The U key may be used to do the same thing.

Using Polygon Tool

The Polygon tool, which is likewise located to the left of the main canvas, may also be used to create triangles in Photoshop. 

1. Just click on the Polygon option after selecting the Shape tool.
2. The subsequent phase in this is choosing the appropriate angle value, which is 3. 
3. To achieve this, move the slider until you get to the number 3 on the slider which will display to the right of the workspace.

Using Pen Tool

It’s not surprising that you can make a triangle in Photoshop using the program’s traditional Pen tool since you’re using the best drawing service offered. Adding a fresh shape layer may achieve that objective.

1. To do this, locate the Pen tool on the toolset panel by looking there or using the P key. 
2. After that, you must draw three pieces and join them to form a triangle.
3. To create an equilateral triangle, drag the mouse whilst holding down the Shift key. 
4. In addition, you have the choice to activate the Equilateral and From Center settings if necessary, select the canvas, and directly input the Width, Height, and Corner Radius specifications.

Add The Desired Look To The Triangle

After learning the fundamentals of creating a triangle in Photoshop, you may modify or improve your work using a variety of effects. The simplest adjustments you can make in this design application are to smooth out the corners or give your shape more strokes.

The right-side panel contains information on stroke effects. With Photoshop, you may change the line width and choose the roundness radius, shown in a different window and expressed in pixels. You may also add more intricate creative effects or fill the triangle with color.

How To Make A Triangle Out Of A Picture?

Typically, cropping involves removing a square or rectangle from an image. The Crop Tool makes this simple to accomplish. What happens if you wish to crop a photo into something other than a rectangle?

1. Create the desired shape before cropping the picture into it, whether it be a circle, triangle, or any other shape.
2. Make a triangle using the previous instruction on how to do so. Create a triangle with curved edges, then fill it with any color.
3. Then add the image you wish to crop as a layer to Photoshop just over the triangle layer.
4. Create Clipping Mask may be selected with a right-click on the picture layer.

Done! Your image has now been cropped into a triangle. Now the triangle will serve as a mask.

Conclusion

And there you are. In this article, we learned how to use the different tools on Photoshop to create a triangle and crop a picture so that the shape turns into that of a triangle. We hope the instructions in this article prove helpful.