"wraping" objects

[malefactor27]

Okay, I've seen this effect done, but I have no idea how to do it, other than to make discreet pieces, but it seem there should be an easier way to do it...

How do you wrap one object with another. For a simple example, how would I wrap a spiral around a rectangle, to make the spiral look like it actually exists in 3d space (appearing in front of the rectangle in some places, and disappearing behind it in others...)

Thanks!

 

[blueark]

The last time I had to do this was pre-Illustrator CS, so maybe there's an easier way now (I haven't had a chance to play around with the new 3D functions much).

Certainly with older versions, you do need to make discreet pieces, some behind, and some in front. It can be simplified by creating copies, and using PathFinder palette. For the example you gave, I would do the following:

1. Create the spiral;
2. Place the rectangle over it;
3. Duplicate both objects directly on top of the existing shapes;
4. Make sure the top two objects are selected only;
5. Use the Pathfinder palette to get the intersection of both shapes.

It's probably easy enough to create an action for the above too, which may be useful if you have to do this regularly. Sorry, I don't have Illustrator in front of me right now, so forgive me if there's any errors in the above!