3D objects

3D Objects

Before you start

Prior to embarking on giving 3D effects to objects, it is recommended to go through the basic tips and tricks for images first. You checked it already? Great! The options you will need here at the 3-D format and 3D-rotation in the shape options tab.

Tips and tricks for images

Formulas

As mentioned in the tips and tricks, the effects required to make 3D objects usually depend on the size of the object. To this end, some formulas are provided that enable you to make any object of the size you want. But don't worry, they will be simple...

3D Rotation

In order to play and appreciate your creation, you will need to rotate it. This is done in the 3D-rotation tab.

Depth

Depth (D) is a powerful option to make 3D objects. This option enables you to turn squares into platelets, cubes, and beams. In addition, circles can be turned into rods. Basically, the depth needs to be adjusted to ca. 28 times the size of the square (in cm) to get a cube. Less depth yields a platelet, more depth a beam.

Circle Bevel: spheres

By adjusting the bevel of circular objects, we can get nice spheres. Here simply use 30 points (pt) of height (H) and weight (W) bevel for each centimeter of radius. Do not forget to adjust both the top and bottom bevel!

Circle Bevel: tubes

Tubes can be made using circle bevel. By using the diameter of the tube, the radius can be derived. You can use an extra object to measure the radius easily if needed. The same formula as for spheres applies. Again: do both top and bottom.

Angle Bevel: octahedron

For all you chemists out there: we need to be able to make some octahedrons to visualize molecules such as SiF6 or metal complexes. This can be done by applying the angle bevel to a square. Here for each centimeter of the size of the square you will need to put 15 width points and 20 height points. Don't forget to do both top and bottom bevel!

Angle Bevel: tetrahedron

And of course: for those in organic chemistry (SP3 hybridization etc.) we can also make tetrahedrons. Here apply only the top bevel using the formula on the left.

Update: Dodecahedron

After some questioning by Dave (see comment section below), please find on the right the almighty dodecahedron. This fellow is constructed by rotation of different separate objects. This was -to be honest- a painstaking process. However, all for the glory! The shape is included in the standard list pptx provided below.

Update: Round bottom flask

After some inspiration: find the almighty round bottom flask! Entirely made with standard PowerPoint shapes. That means no custom merging or subtracting.