Expert: Amy - 5/11/2010

Question
Hi Amy,

I am using Illustrator CS4 and a MacBook OS 10.6.
 Model Identifier:   MacBook2,1
 Processor Name:   Intel Core 2 Duo
 Processor Speed:   2 GHz
 Number Of Processors:   1
 Total Number Of Cores:   2
 L2 Cache:   4 MB
 Memory:   2 GB
 Bus Speed:   667 MHz


I created a water bottle using the 3D revolve function. The next step is to add the label using the map art function. I have the label ready in the symbol library.
I can go all the way to adding the symbol and when I click ok to process the change, illustrator always gets stuck and the little progress window reads "rendering artwork".
I am able to create the bottle in the first place although sometimes (quite randomly) it also gets stuck there. Not able to add the label at all though.

Any idea why that is and what I can do to fix this issue? It's affecting my ability to complete a project to submit my portfolio :(

Many thanks in advance and kind regards
Ali :)

Answer
Well, that's a common spot for crashing... if it is really crashing...during a long render.
First, keep your [ ] preview option unchecked in the map art dialog box... that should help.

How long have you allowed it to try to render? Give it 15 minutes and see if it's really just thinking. Sometimes it can surprise you. Appearing hung for many minutes then suddenly finishing. You sound like you know your machine, though. You would probably know if it has crashed.

Is there a font in this label or have you outlined the text in the symbol? Try that - it could be the font. Create a symbol without text in it.

You surely have enough power but sometimes processors can be flaky on these more advanced graphics functions.

Let me know if any of these guesses (and they are only guesses) helped. I actually don't use the 3D tools very often. Have you posted this question at Adobe user forums? I will do some searching and see if I can find other tips for this issue.

-Amy