Wrap a Ribbon Around a Sphere, Using 3D Revolve

In this Quick Tip, you’ll create a Symbol, which you will then map to a 3D globe. The result looks like a ribbon wrapped around a hollow sphere. Let’s get started!

Step 1

Click once with the Rectangle tool (M) and draw a thin rectangle, about 300px x 20px.

Step 2

Switch to the Selection tool (V), then press Return to bring up the Move dialog box. Position the rectangle down 30px and press Copy. Press Command + D four times so you end up with six rectangles

Step 3

Select all the rectangles. Double-click the Shear tool, and enter an angle of 6 degrees on a vertical axis.

Step 4

Draw a rectangle over the sheared objects so that its corners align as in the image below.

Step 5

Select all, then Crop, using the Pathfinder panel.

Step 6

Drag the resulting objects onto the Symbols panel to create a new symbol.

Step 7

Draw a perfect circle using the Ellipse tool (L). It can be any color. Next, draw a line with the Line Segment tool (Backslash) that dissects the circle vertically (turn on Smart Guides to position it exactly down the middle). Select both the circle and the line and click Divide in the Pathfinder panel. Delete the left half of the circle.

Step 8

With the half-circle selected, go to Effect > 3D > Revolve. In the dialog box, enter 360 degrees to form a sphere.

Step 9

While still in the 3d Revolve Options dialog box, click the Map Art button. Choose your symbol from the drop-down menu at the top left, then click Scale to Fit, Shade Artwork and Invisible Geometry.

Conclusion

You’re done! But if you want to modify the sphere and/or the lighting, go to the Appearance panel and click the 3D Revolve effect to bring up the Options dialog again. Experiment with different rotations and shading to create some interesting results.