Creating the Anaglyph Stereo Images using the methods described in this tutorial are suitable only RGB color mode documents (File > Document Color Mode > RGB color). Make sure this color model is set in your document before beginning the tutorial.
Step 1
Let’s create a composition on which we will be experimenting. It will be better if it is a multi-dimensional composition consisting of several objects at different distances from the viewer. I think the chess board with a few chess pieces will fit well for this purpose. Start with creating the pieces. Take the Pen Tool (P) and create a path with yellow color fill similar to the one shown in the figure below.
This shape corresponds to half of the vertical section of the chess piece; in this case it is the king. In the future you will be able to modify this shape in order to achieve a better result. Select and group the object (Cmd / Ctrl + G).
Step 2
Keeping the group selected, go to Effect > 3D > Revolve… and set the parameters shown in the picture below.
To control the light of the 3D object, click on the More Options button in the dialog window and set the number of light sources, their intensity and location, watching the changes in your model. Also pay attention at the number of Blend Steps. In order not to overload your computer, the number of steps should not be more than 25 steps. Following all the transformations in this tutorial, you’ll be able to increase their number to the maximum to achieve a smooth result.
You can change the shape of the 3D object using the VectorScribe’sPathScribe Tool or the native Direct Selection Tool (A), controlling the position of the points of the path.
Step 3
With the help of the Rectangle Tool (M) create a rectangle. The left side of the rectangle must not go beyond the left side of the path of the chess pieces.
I rounded the right corners of the rectangle with the VectorScribe Dynamic Corners Tool. You can find comprehensive information about this tool and VectorScribe plugin by clicking on the following linkwww.astutegraphics.com/products/vectorscribe/movies.html.
Step 4
Drag the newly created object to the group to which you have applied the 3D effect. This action should be done in the Layers palette (Window > Layers), after which the object takes on the properties of the group, so it becomes a 3D object. The convenience of this technique requires no need to edit a complex path to achieve better results; you simply need to edit a simple object (for example, to change its position or shape).
Using this simple technique, create other elements — a chess king and pawn.
Step 5
Duplicate the resultant pieces and change their fill to brown color.
This number of chess pieces is enough for our composition. If you play chess, you know that using them you achieve an endgame.
Step 6
Let’s proceed to the creation of the chess board. Take the Rectangle Tool (M) and create a square with a brown fill.
Keeping the square selected, go to Object > Transform > Move… and set horizontal offset value, which is equal to the width of the square and click on the Copy button in the dialog window.
Click on the shortcuts Cmd / Ctrl + D (Transform Again), creating a series of rectangles.
Step 7
Select all the rectangles and go to Object > Transform > Move… and set the vertical offset value, which is equal to the height of the square and click on the Copy button in the dialog window.
Click on the shortcuts Cmd / Ctrl + D (Transform Again), creating a checkerboard plane.
With the Selection Tool (V), select squares in a checked pattern and replace their fill with yellow color.
Select all the rectangles and group them up (Cmd / Ctrl + G). Try to follow all my directions on the organization of working space, such as grouping up the objects, as it will simplify your work in the following steps. In addition, it is always easier and faster to work in the properly organized document.
Step 8
Place the checkerboard in a perspective plane. Take the Perspective Grid Tool (Shift + P) and go to View > Perspective Grid > One Point Perspective > [1P-Normal View].
Activate the Horizontal Grid on the Switching Widget and using the Perspective Selection Tool (Shift + V) drag the checkerboard to the Perspective Grid.
Step 9
Select the cells of the same color, and fill them with a linear gradient from light to dark shade of the basic color. This will enhance the illusion of perspective.
Step 10
Place the pieces on the board by changing their size with the Selection Tool (V) according to the principles of perspective distortion. This is not difficult to do, you just need to match the size of the base of the shape with the size of the cell on which you are going to put it.
Step 11
The problem is that our 3D objects are created regardless to linear perspective and have the properties of the isometric shapes. It’s not so noticeable on the distant objects, but it immediately catches the eye on the close ones. We’ll correct this error. Select the white king in the foreground, open the Appearance panel (Window > Appearance) and click on 3D Revolve in order to get access to the parameters of the effect.
Now set the angle of perspective in the 3D Revolve Options dialog window.
Step 12
Create the reflection of the shapes on the surface of the checkerboard. Select the shape and go to Object > Transform > Reflect… and click on the Copy button and click on the Copy button in the dialog window.
Move the copy horizontally-flipped, as it is shown in the picture below.
Step 13
Take the Rectangle Tool (M) and draw a rectangle filled with black-and-white linear gradient. The rectangle should cover the entire shape of the reflection of the shape.
Select the reflection of the shape and rectangle, then click on the Make Opacity Mask in fly-out menu of the Transparency panel.
If you think the reflection is too bright, reduce its opacity.
Group up the shape and reflection. Using the described technique, create a reflection for the remaining pieces.
The composition is ready; group up all of its elements.
Step 14
Let’s create an Anaglyph Stereo Image. To test the effect of the stereo image you need special stereo glasses with red and blue glasses. You can buy them or make them yourself.
Copy the group with our composition and paste it in front (Cmd / Ctrl + C, Cmd / Ctrl + F). Apply a red separation for the upper group. This is possible to do if you have Phantasm CS Studio or Phantasm CS Publisher (or the full 7 day Trial version) installed to your computer. Select the upper group and go toEffect > Phantasm CS > Curves…. Select the red channel in the dialog window and move the bottom left point of the curve upward to the top, leaving the other channels of the object unchanged.
Step 15
Apply a cyan separation for the lower group. Select in the Layers palette and go to Effect > Phantasm CS > Curves…. Now select the green channel and move the bottom left point of the curve as upward.
Perform the same operation with the blue channel, leaving the red channel unchanged.
After these manipulations the upper and lower groups look as follows:
Set the “Darken” Blending mode for the upper group in the Transparency panel.
Step 16
Usually, to create stereo images, designers use stereo pairs. These are two pictures taken with the displacement of the camera position from 1 to 2 centimetres on the horizontal axis. This process mimics the image combined in the brain through the left and right eyes. Stereo pair modelling in Adobe Illustrator is a complex process. However, we can simulate a stereo pair, and thus to cheat our brain.
Select the group of objects that belongs to the white king in the foreground (shape and reflection) that is located in the group with the red separation. Make selections in the layers panel. Shift the selected objects horizontally to the left for some distance. Put the glasses on and check if our object looks 3D comparing to other objects.
Step 17
When we achieve the desired result, go to the next object, moving deeper into the composition. The secret is in the fact that the farther an object is from the viewer, the smaller should be the offset value of the shapes, and this is true in real stereo pairs.
Put the glasses on and check what I did. In my opinion, the controlling of the offset value will add volume to your composition. Pay attention that the checkerboard is not moved.
Conclusion
In order for your 3D objects to look smooth when rasterized, go to File > Export… and set the Anti-aliasing options in the dialog window.
I would really like to see your experiments. Create your vector stereo and leave links to them in the comments of this tutorial!
For inspiration, take a look at the gallery of similar artworks – Stereoscopic 3D Effect with Anaglyph Images.