: How do I map Illustrator artwork on a sphere? I am looking for help with creating spherical map similar to provided in picture: the 6 parts spherical map image setup (bent): I want to put

@YK2262411

Sure this thread is old but I found an answer. There is a tool created by NASA that helps called G.Projector. You import an image (sized 1800x900) and it turns it into a globe. You can fiddle with the options to make a Sinusoidal map (Interrupted 30° gores). It was the fastest way I could find to go from a flat image to something I could mount on a yoga ball.
www.giss.nasa.gov/tools/gprojector/download/

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@Jennifer810

The most effective way to tackle this project would be to start in a 3D app like Maya, Cinema 4D or Blender, unfold the UV map and export the distorted texture.

Experimenting in Photoshop CC, I applied this



as a texture map to a simple 3D sphere:



Then, using the (new in 2014) 3D > Generate UVs... command like this



I came up with a texture map and UV wireframe that allowed me, with a couple of extra steps using the Magic Wand and a Layer Mask, to extract this mapping from the modified texture file:



Photoshop isn't the best tool (or even a good tool) for this job, but this indicates the general approach to creating a wrappable, pre-distorted template. Rather than trying to create the template directly as a 2D file, apply it to a 3D object as a texture map, then unfold the map.

Using well-chosen seams and UV unwrapping in Maya or a similar 3D application, you would be able to create whatever slices you needed (and much more effectively than this simple Photoshop demonstration).

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@Jessie844

I was hoping someone with experience of this sort of vinyl print design would answer but since they haven't yet, here's what I'd try if it was me dropped in at the deep end on this project:



I haven't tried actually making the sphere but it looks like all the joins and curves would be in the right places to straighten and match when the template is printed and folded (horizontal centres pulled up and down, tops and bottoms pulled "out", etc). Test it!

But don't use the grey shapes from my image, I just drew them by hand, they're not a real sphere template.



If this works, that has fun implications: all sorts of complicated projections could be simulated on Illustrator using envelope distort and a traced template. I might try making Waterman Butterfly versions of things (cf xkcd)...



If that didn't work I'd try this approach:


Take an existing sphere vinyl template like the one you've shown previously
Trace the outline, print it out, cut it out
Fold it up into a blank paper sphere
Draw horizontal and vertical grid lines around the sphere, half way, quarters, eighths, etc
Unfold the sphere flat
Scan the flat sphere with grid lines, put this scan as a locked layer in Illustrator to use as a guide. I might draw over them in illustrator on this layer to neaten it up
Use things like the Illustrator envelope/mesh distort tools to make the design follow the scanned grid lines

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@Pierce403

Depending on what you have to print, hydrographics might come in handy. Basically, you start with a 2D film and dip the object in water. The film sticks to it. I've seen helmets and various objects done but if it requires to be very precise that may not be helpful.

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@Shelley591

We'd likely need to refer you to this question--namely the first line of the first answer:


Ask your vendor.


Alas, that's the only 'correct' answer here as whatever solution you come up with, you're going to have to be partnering with your vendor that will be printing it. And they are going to help you figure out the specific software, layout, templates, etc to accomplish this.

As for general suggestions, JohnB is on the right track with this likely being a cartography issues. The most common need to print on a sphere is in mapmaking. And there are a number of ways to go from flat-to-globe or vice versa. The term is 'map projection'. I imagine a quality vendor will have software that can help convert your 3D imagery to a globe surface.

Another potential resource would be a manufacturer who deals in balls--another common 'globe' that gets printed on. It appears they even make machines to handle exactly that.

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@Pierce403

Spherical projections onto a 2D surface can quickly get complicated and confusing. The image in that forum post is what's known as an "interrupted projection". It's quite similar to an interrupted sinusoidal projection.

I understand you're probably not making a globe of the Earth, but you might have better luck searching for cartography solutions. This question posted at the Geographic Information Systems Stack Exchange site has a few software solutions that might be of some value to you.

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@Smith574

If you are looking for an opensource program there is Inkscape. Some apparel/embroidery shops do use Coredraw. There is always Illustrator but if you purchase Adobe's design package it does come with InDesign which can be used, too.

In regards to fitting a sphere, from your prior questions, it would depend on the artwork setup and you should consider the bleed. IF you are working on just vinyl cutout instead of digitally printed vinyl you would measure the total area and generate your own template. Each application does have a means of measurement. So to answer clearly. There is no automatic way you will be able to use a program with out some effort, possibly testing, when creating custom templates for printing on non-standard flat surfaces.

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