Quick Tips for Isometric Artwork in Illustrator

Laura Coyle

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Editor’s Note: this post was excerpted from Laura’s handout from CreativePro Week 2019, where Laura spoke about Illustrator Techniques for Editorial and Commercial Illustration, and Illustrator Power Tips. Even though the show is over, you can still sign up for a Virtual Pass so you don’t miss out!

Use the Actions Panel

You can use the Actions panel to skew type (and shapes) to fit an isometric illustration.

Select an object to perform the action on, click New Action. Click the record button and perform the steps to the action, then click the stop button. To apply, select a type object, select an Action, and click Play.

Left Facing Iso Action: Transform panel, -30º shear, 330º rotation

Right Facing Iso Action: Transform panel, 30º shear, 30º rotation

Here are a few other quick tips I used in creating this illustration:

Use the Line Segment tool

Use the Line Segment tool to create gridlines or other precise lines you need. This makes the lines “live” so their length and angle can be adjusted in the Transform Panel after you’ve drawn them.

Expand 3D Effects

Use expanded 3D Effects objects to create custom Isometric shapes.

I love that you can draw a shape, apply an Effect > 3D > Extrude & Bevel…, then choose an Isometric face for Position, adjust the extrusion depth and make a perfect Isometric cloud in no time flat.

To customize the shape, with gradients and more, it’s best to expand it and work with the resulting paths.