How to Create Isometric Vector Infographic Elements

Isometric Vector Infographic Elements

Today you’ll find out how to create isometric vector infographic elements with the help of 3D effects. During our tutorial, we will create a Layer chart, Column and Pie graphs. Moreover, here I’ll tell you how to draw eight simple 3D isometric shapes. I hope this will help to expand your opportunities in creating isometric vector infographic elements. Let’s get started!

Tutorial Details: Isometric Vector Infographic Elements

Final Image: Isometric Vector Infographic Elements

isometric vector infographic elements

Step 1: Isometric Vector Infographic Elements

To begin this isometric vector info graphic elements tutorial open your Adobe Illustrator and create a new document (Cmd / Ctrl + N). Your artboard can be of any size. The isometric elements that we’re creating will work equally well in the RGB and in the CMYK color modes.

isometric vector infographic elements

 

Step 2: Placing of flat objects into isometric planes.

When working on isometric vector infographic elements we don’t only need to create 3D objects, but also place two-dimensional objects, such as text, icons and flat charts, into isometric planes. Let’s take a closer look at timeline example which is shown on the figure below.

isometric vector infographic elements

Before you start working you may want to group all the objects of the element (Cmd/Ctrl + G). Select the timeline then go to the Effect > 3D > Rotate…. In the dialog box select one of the four isometric presets, Isometric Top for example.

isometric vector infographic elements

For Surface option select No Shading to make your timeline not change the color, click OK.

isometric vector infographic elements

Step 3

If you need to change the direction of your timeline, then turn it to 90 degrees.

isometric vector infographic elements

By the way, our text remains editable.

isometric vector infographic elements

If you need to change the isometric plane, then click on 3DRotate link in the Appearance panel (Window > Appearance).

isometric vector infographic elements

This opens the dialog box where you can select some different preset for isometrics.

isometric vector infographic elements

Step 4

With the help of the Rotate effect we also can create layer chart. Draw a square with the help of the Rectangle Tool. Apply the 3D Rotate effect to it by selecting Isometric Top present in the dialog box.

isometric vector infographic elements

Move the square up by holding down Shift and Opt/Alt keys which leads to its duplication.

isometric vector infographic elements

Use the Cmd/Ctrl + D shortcuts couple of times to repeat the last action.

isometric vector infographic elements

Recolor squares into different colors and add text objects. Layer chart is ready.

isometric vector infographic elements

Step 5: Placing of 3D objects in isometric planes.

Often the basic 3D shapes are used as columns to graphs. These could be pyramidal and prismatic objects. Let’s see how they can be created in isometrics. Create basis for different types of prisms. These are a circle, a square, a hexagon and a triangle.

isometric vector infographic elements

Select a circle then go to the Effect > 3D > Extrude & Bevel….In the opened dialog box select Isometric Top preset. By changing the Extrude Depth parameter we can control the heights of the object.

isometric vector infographic elements

As you can see we received a cylinder.

Step 6

Do the same with the rest of the figures to receive the prisms of different shape.

isometric vector infographic elements

For a better visual perception you can rotate the base of the prism. So for triangular and hexagonal prism I rotated the base to 15 degrees (Object > Transform > Rotate…).

isometric vector infographic elements

17

Step 7

For further manipulation of these isometric vector infographic elements we need to transform them from 3D objects into regular vector objects. Select all the objects then open the dialog box of 3D effect by clicking on the link in the Appearance panel.

isometric vector infographic elements

Here you need to select No Shading preset for Surface option. This will allow us to create fewer objects in the next step.

isometric vector infographic elements

Step 8

Go to the Object > Expand Appearance.

isometric vector infographic elements

Color your isometric prisms. Now they are ready for further usage.

isometric vector infographic elements

Step 9

And now let’s create a couple of elements and pyramids by using the same forms as basis. Apply the 3D Rotate effect and Isometric Top preset to every of it.

isometric vector infographic elements

Go to the Object > Expand Appearance.

isometric vector infographic elements

Now we need to get rid of the Clipping Masks, to do so, go to the Object > Clipping Mask > Release (Opt/Alt + Cmd/Ctrl + 7) then go to the Object > Path > Clean Up…

isometric vector infographic elements

Step 10

Unfortunately, as the result of these actions some paths might be open which can complicate our further editing.

isometric vector infographic elements

In this case you can use Close All Paths script to close your paths or VectorScribe plug-in which has the same function.

isometric vector infographic elements

Step 11

Create a point above the center of square base with the help of the Pen Tool (P).

isometric vector infographic elements

Join this point with two points of the base by creating one side of the pyramid. Now create the second side.

isometric vector infographic elements

We’ll create other pyramids by analogy.

isometric vector infographic elements

Step 12

Creating a cone could be trickier since the guide of the cone must be tangent to the ellipse of the base. But this is not a problem if we have all necessary tools. Create a point (this is a peak of a cone) above the center of the ellipse.

isometric vector infographic elements

To create guides from this point to ellipse you can use the Common Tangents script or Free SubScribe plug-in which has a Line Tangent to Path Tool.

isometric vector infographic elements

Delete the starting point and connect the tangent – our cone is ready.

isometric vector infographic elements

Our pyramids are ready for further use too.

Step 13

Now let’s create a graph from one of the created objects. Turn the vertical guide to 60 degrees (Object > Transform > Rotate…).

isometric vector infographic elements

Now move the pyramid along the guide by holding Opt/Alt which leads to its duplication.

isometric vector infographic elements

Step 14

Repeat the same action couple of times by using the Cmd/Ctrl + D shortcuts.

isometric vector infographic elements

Now we can select the peak of every pyramid with the help of the Lasso Tool (Q) then change its heights.

isometric vector infographic elements

All we have to do is to add the data and our isometric graph is ready.

isometric vector infographic elements

isometric vector infographic elements

Step 15: Pie Charts and Shapes

Create a circle which we divide into 4 sectors as it is indicated on the figure below.

isometric vector infographic elements

Apply 3D Rotate effect to the group of these objects.

isometric vector infographic elements

Step 16

Go to the Object > Expand Appearance then to the Object > Clipping Mask Release (Opt/Alt + Cmd/Ctrl + 7) and Object > Path > Clean Up

isometric vector infographic elements

Close open paths with the help of the Close All Paths script or the VectorScribe plug-in.

Step 17

Double the yellow segment and drag the copy up.

isometric vector infographic elements

On the base of two yellow forms create the sides of the segment with the help of the Pen Tool (P).

isometric vector infographic elements

Step 18

Copy and paste and raise the copy of the red segment.

isometric vector infographic elements

To create the left side of the segment we need to create a tangent to the curved parts of both red forms. And in this case the SubScribe and its Line Tangent to Two Paths Tool will help us.

isometric vector infographic elements

Step 19

Extend the created segment as it is indicated on the figure below.

isometric vector infographic elements

Unite the new object with the lower form of red segment by clicking on Unite in the Pathfinder panel.

isometric vector infographic elements

Step 20

Place the created form above the under red segment.

isometric vector infographic elements

And now with the help of the Pen Tool (P) create a right side of the red segment.

isometric vector infographic elements

Step 21

Create sides of blue and light-blue segments by using the described technique.

isometric vector infographic elements

isometric vector infographic elements

isometric vector infographic elements

Now all we have left to do is to add text information.

isometric vector infographic elements

isometric vector infographic elements

And there you have it! You can now create and customize your own isometric vector infographic elements with ease. Enjoy!

Iaroslav Lazunov

Author: Iaroslav Lazunov

My name is Iaroslav Lazunov, I am a graphic designer from Ukraine. I am glad that I finally found a job in my life that I can share my knowledge and experiments with you in my tutorials. Follow me on Twitter or visit my blog Vectorboom.com

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