Easy way to add relief to 2D vector?

[awalt1250]

Is there a quick and simple way to add some relief to a 2D vector file without learning Aspire? Nothing too fancy or complex, just to give it some height?

[myxpykalix]

I'm not sure i understand exactly what you want to do. Can you post your vector file and describe exactly what you want to do? Maybe that would help us figure out how best to answer this.:confused:

[CNYDWW]

Well, you can pocket out an area around the 2D graphic. This will keep the graphic raised and the rest of the surface lowered. Just keep in mind you need the vectors and another vector box or design to mill between. Otherwise you can Vcarve the same way or even pocket mill with a textured background if you feel spry

[awalt1250]

What I am wanting to do is take a picture (JPEG, BMP etc) and add some 3d relief to it....quickly. Similar to the models at Vector Art 3D.

[adrianm]

Probably the quickest way of getting any results you'll be happy with is to learn Aspire. There are ways of doing it automatically but I've yet to see any that produce anything like a result that I would be happy with.

Without a height map any software is guessing based on shading/colouring and what a program thinks is right is not the same as what the human eye thinks is right.

[bleeth]

The models at Vector Art 3-d are not created by a "button" in any software. They are created in modeling software such as Aspire and/or Artcam Pro. Those that were created "quickly" were done so because the designers spent many hours learning how to use the software. There are a couple built in tools that make a relief based on light and dark areas of a photo that have some limited use in making cuttable files but generally, you really have to buy and learn to use the software step by step. That is why they both have training videos, their own forums with much specific advice given, and user groups every year.
That is why sites such as VA3-D exist. For vending at a very reasonable cost "clip art" than can be used in a project without learning how to do it yourself or spending the many hours to do it.