Bookmark this page

	Del.icio.us
	Digg it
	StumbleUpon
	Yahoo MyWeb
	Furl it

Icon from 3D

Creating Icons

Editing Images

Editing 3D Models

Creating 'computer' icon step by step in RealWorld Designer

Step 1: Creating 3D models

When creating 3D models for icons, it is best to leave out the details and focus on simple shapes. We will use a bunch of Rounded Boxes, one Box and one simple Surface of Revolution.

A simple display 3D model created in integrated Unicorn3D editor.

6 rouned boxes + 1 box + one surface of revolution...

The computer case 3D model is even simpler than the display.

This could not get any easier.

Step 2: Preapre 3D object for rendering

Once we are happy with our 3D model, we will create a 'Rendered Image' document. This document holds a reference to a 3D model and stores light specification as well as camera and rendering device configuration. We will use raytracing renderer, one directional light and set camera to the desired position.

Setting camera, lights, and rendering device configuration.

Step 3: Create icon

Creating icon is as easy as clicking 'Create Icon' toolbar button. A new window with a generated icon is opened. After saving the icon we are done. Or aren't we?

A complete icon after one click - get used to it.

48x48, 32x32 and 16x16 pixel images from the generated icon.

Step 4: Replacing the 16x16 image in icon

Assume that we are not happy with the 16x16 image in the icon, because it is a bit hard to recognize. Let's get back to our display 3D model and create a new Rendered Document, this time only with the display model. Then we let RealWorld Icon Editor create another icon.

Rendered image again. This time with different 3D model and updated camera.

Vieweing the 16x16 pixel image generated directly from 3D model.

Step 5: Putting it all together

Finally we take the two icons, delete the redundant images and put it all inside one icon. Too easy.

Images in the combined icon. All perfectly recognizable.