How to make 3D text in Illustrator
The fastest built-in way is Effect › 3D and Materials › Extrude & Bevel: select the type, set a depth and rotate the object. It stays live text but renders shaded surfaces. For flat, vector-clean extrusions with hidden edges removed, use the JuicyType 3D effect below.
The manual way, in Illustrator
- Select the text with the Selection tool. Don't outline it.
- Go to Effect › 3D and Materials › Extrude & Bevel.
- Set Depth, then rotate with the presets or the X/Y/Z fields.
- For flat vector sides, choose Object › Expand Appearance when you are done, which converts it to shapes.
Illustrator's 3D effect renders shaded surfaces and rasterizes on export unless you expand it; it does not give you clean vector walls with hidden lines removed.
Steps drafted from Illustrator's documentation; to be checked in Illustrator 2025–2026 before launch.
3D with JuicyType
Select the text, open the JuicyType panel, choose 3D, and drag. It is a live effect, so the text stays editable and every control can be changed later.
- ModeOverall outside / Individual strokes / Fill alone
- Depth0–400 pt
- Top, side and slope wall coloursAuto, five greys, None (knockout), or a document spot
- Extra extrusion layersup to 10, each with its own width 0–400 pt and three colours
- Direction0–360°, default 30°
- Tilt−10 to 10
- Boom−50 to 50
- Focal length0–1000, perspective
- Extrusion stroke0–20 pt, colour, Apply to face as well, Taper 0–20 (default 5), Stroke only
- Slope styleColor / Gradient / Comic / Split
- Preserve spot colorson/off
Common questions
Does the text stay editable?
Yes with the built-in effect and with JuicyType. Both are live effects: retype the word and the extrusion follows.
Can I change the angle after?
Yes. Reopen the effect from the Appearance panel, or drag Direction in the JuicyType panel.