Creating lifelike 3D objects in Figma – A comprehensive guide

Creating realistic 3D objects can add a whole new dimension to your design projects. It can make your designs stand out, giving them a sense of depth and realism. While creating 3D objects may seem complex, it can easily be done using Figma, a popular design tool that allows for easy creation and manipulation of digital graphics.

To begin creating realistic 3D objects in Figma, it is important to have a basic understanding of how 3D graphics work. 3D objects are created using a combination of different shapes, lighting effects and shadows to create the illusion of depth. By mastering these techniques, you can create stunning 3D objects that will impress your clients and elevate your design work.

Start by selecting the shape that you want to turn into a 3D object. This can be a simple shape, like a rectangle or a circle, or a more complex shape, like a polygon or a custom vector shape. Once you have selected your shape, apply the necessary effects and transformations to give it a 3D appearance.

The key to creating realistic 3D objects is to use lighting and shadows effectively. By adding light sources and manipulating shadows, you can create the illusion of depth and make your object look more realistic. Experiment with different light positions and shadow angles to find the perfect combination that gives your object a natural and lifelike appearance.

Step 1: Understanding the basics of Figma’s 3D features

Before diving into creating realistic 3D objects in Figma, it’s important to first understand the basics of Figma’s 3D features. Figma allows you to create and manipulate 3D objects using a variety of tools and options.

One of the key features in Figma’s 3D capabilities is the ability to extrude shapes and layers. Extrusion involves taking a 2D shape or layer and giving it depth, essentially turning it into a 3D object. Figma provides several options for extrusion, including extruding along a path, extruding by a specified depth, or extruding based on the shape’s curves.

In addition to extrusion, Figma also offers tools for rotating and positioning 3D objects. You can rotate objects in all three dimensions, allowing for precise control over their orientation. Figma also provides options for scaling and resizing 3D objects, allowing you to adjust their size and proportions as needed.

When working with 3D objects in Figma, it’s important to understand the concept of perspective. Perspective refers to the way objects appear to the eye based on their position and distance. Figma allows you to adjust the perspective of your 3D objects, giving you control over how they appear in your design.

Another important aspect of Figma’s 3D features is lighting. Lighting plays a crucial role in creating realistic 3D objects. Figma provides options for adjusting the position, intensity, and color of lights in your design, allowing you to create different lighting effects and enhance the realism of your 3D objects.

Lastly, Figma offers various rendering options for your 3D objects. You can choose from different rendering styles, such as wireframe, flat shading, or smooth shading, depending on the desired effect. Figma also allows you to apply textures and materials to your 3D objects, enhancing their appearance and making them more lifelike.

By understanding these basics of Figma’s 3D features, you’ll be well-equipped to start creating realistic 3D objects in Figma. In the following steps, we’ll explore specific techniques and workflows for creating and manipulating 3D objects, as well as tips for achieving realistic results.

Step 2: Starting a new project and setting up the workspace

Once you have Figma opened and ready to go, the first step is to start a new project. You can do this by clicking on the “Create New” button or selecting “New File” from the file menu. Give your project a name and choose a location on your computer to save it.

After starting a new project, it’s important to set up your workspace properly. This will help you work efficiently and ensure that your 3D objects look realistic. Start by selecting the appropriate artboard size for your project. If you’re designing for a specific platform or device, make sure to choose the dimensions that match it.

Next, organize your workspace by creating different layers for various elements of your 3D objects. This will make it easier to manage and edit your design later on. You can create new layers by clicking on the “Layers” panel and selecting “New Layer” or by using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + L.

Once you have your layers set up, consider enabling the grid and rulers to help with alignment. This is especially useful when creating complex 3D shapes or objects. Go to the “View” menu, select “Grid and Rulers” and check “Show Grid” and “Show Rulers” options.

Lastly, choose the appropriate color mode for your project. If you’re designing for print or web, RGB color mode is recommended. On the other hand, if you’re working on a project for video or animation, choose the CMYK color mode.

By following these steps and setting up your workspace properly, you’ll be well-prepared to create realistic 3D objects in Figma. Proceed to the next step to start designing your first object!

Step 3: Importing and manipulating 3D models in Figma

Once you have a basic understanding of creating 3D objects in Figma, the next step is to import and manipulate 3D models. This will allow you to add more realistic and complex objects to your designs.

To import a 3D model, you first need to find a compatible file format. Figma supports various formats such as FBX, OBJ, and GLTF. You can find free 3D models online on websites like Sketchfab or create your own using 3D modeling software like Blender. Once you have the desired 3D model file, follow these steps to import it into Figma:

1. Click on the “Insert” tab in the Figma toolbar.
2. Select “3D” from the dropdown menu.
3. Click on the “Choose a file” button and navigate to the location where your 3D model file is saved.
4. Select the file and click “Open” to import it into Figma.

Once the 3D model is imported, you can see it in the canvas area. Figma provides several tools and options to manipulate the imported 3D model:

• Move Tool: Use the move tool to drag and position the 3D model in the canvas area.
• Rotate Tool: Use the rotate tool to rotate the 3D model along its x, y, or z-axis.
• Scale Tool: Use the scale tool to resize and adjust the dimensions of the 3D model.
• Shear Tool: Use the shear tool to distort and skew the 3D model.

Additionally, Figma allows you to change the material properties of the 3D model. You can adjust the color, opacity, shininess, and other visual properties to make the 3D object look more realistic.

Remember to experiment with different transformations and material settings to achieve the desired look for your 3D object. Figma provides an intuitive interface and real-time preview features, making it easier to fine-tune your 3D models and create stunning designs.

Once you are satisfied with the placement and appearance of your 3D model, you can continue working on the rest of your design, incorporating the 3D object into your overall composition. In the next step, we will explore advanced techniques for enhancing and animating 3D objects in Figma.

Step 4: Applying materials and textures to your 3D objects

Once you have created your 3D objects in Figma, the next step is to apply materials and textures to give them a realistic look. Materials and textures play a crucial role in enhancing the visual appeal of your 3D models, making them more visually immersive and engaging.

In Figma, you can apply materials and textures to your 3D objects using the built-in tools and features. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Select the 3D object you want to apply materials to by clicking on it.
2. In the right sidebar, navigate to the “Properties” section.
3. Expand the “Materials” panel.
4. Click on the “New Material” button to create a new material.
5. Customize the material properties, such as color, roughness, and reflectivity, according to your desired look and feel.
6. Once you have created the material, drag and drop it onto the 3D object you want to apply it to. Alternatively, you can also select the object and choose the desired material from the “Materials” panel.
7. Repeat the process for each 3D object you want to apply materials to.

It’s important to note that Figma provides you with a wide range of options when it comes to materials and textures. You can choose from various preset materials, such as metal, plastic, glass, and wood, or create your own custom materials by adjusting the material properties.

Additionally, you can also import external textures into Figma and apply them to your 3D objects. This allows you to add more depth and realism to your models by using textures such as brick, concrete, fabric, or anything else you can think of.

Keep experimenting with different materials and textures to find the perfect combination that brings your 3D objects to life. It’s a creative process that requires attention to detail and experimentation. Don’t be afraid to play around and try new things.

Remember, applying materials and textures is an essential step in creating realistic 3D objects in Figma. It’s what makes your models visually appealing and believable, so make sure to invest time and effort into getting it right.

Step 5: Adjusting lighting and shadows for a realistic effect

One of the key aspects of creating realistic 3D objects in Figma is to pay attention to lighting and shadows. These elements can greatly enhance the overall appearance and bring your design to life.

In Figma, you can simulate lighting and shadows by using the effects panel. To access the effects panel, simply select the object or group you want to modify and click on the “Effects” button in the right sidebar.

First, let’s focus on the lighting. You can add a light source to your object by clicking on the “Add Effect” button and choosing “Drop Shadow”. Adjust the size, opacity, and angle of the shadow to match the direction and intensity of the light source in your scene. You can also experiment with different blending modes to achieve the desired effect.

Next, let’s work on the shadows. In addition to the drop shadow effect, you can use the inner shadow effect to create more depth and dimension. This can be particularly effective for objects with complex shapes or textures. Again, adjust the size, opacity, and angle of the shadow to achieve the desired result.

It’s important to note that lighting and shadows should be consistent throughout your design to maintain a realistic effect. Take into consideration the position and intensity of the light source in your scene, as well as the materials and surfaces of your object.

Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment and iterate with different lighting and shadow settings. Play around with different effects and settings to find the combination that works best for your design. Remember, creating realistic 3D objects in Figma is all about paying attention to the details and refining your design until it looks and feels believable.

Step 6: Exporting your 3D objects from Figma for use in other applications

Once you have created your realistic 3D objects in Figma, you may want to export them for use in other applications, such as game engines or 3D rendering software. Fortunately, Figma provides several options for exporting your 3D models.

The first step to exporting your 3D objects is to select the object that you want to export. You can do this by clicking on the object in the Figma canvas. Once the object is selected, you can proceed with the following steps:

Step	Action
1	Go to the “File” menu at the top of the Figma window and select “Export”.
2	In the export window, choose the format in which you want to export your 3D object. Figma supports various formats such as OBJ, FBX, and GLTF.
3	Specify the file name and location where you want to save the exported 3D object.
4	Click on the “Export” button to start the export process. Figma will generate the 3D object in the selected format and save it to the specified location.

Once the export process is complete, you can use the exported 3D object in other applications or import it into game engines for further use. Make sure to check the documentation of the application you are using to ensure compatibility with the exported format.

By following these steps, you can easily export the realistic 3D objects you create in Figma and use them in other applications to bring your designs to life.

Question-answer:

What is Figma?

Figma is a web-based design tool that allows users to create user interfaces, prototypes, and graphics with the added benefit of collaboration features. It is commonly used by designers and design teams to create and share visual designs.

Can I create 3D objects in Figma?

Yes, you can create 3D objects in Figma by utilizing various techniques and features within the design tool. While Figma is primarily used for 2D design, you can create the illusion of 3D by combining different layers, shadows, gradients, and perspective techniques.

How can I make 3D objects look more realistic in Figma?

To make 3D objects look more realistic in Figma, you can use techniques such as adding depth with drop shadows and gradients, using perspective tools to create vanishing points and depth perception, and applying texture and lighting effects to give objects a more realistic appearance. Additionally, utilizing color and shading techniques can also enhance the realism of the 3D objects.