how to create graphics like these?

[kalos]

hello

can you tell me please how to create graphics like these bars:
[attach=#1]

thanks

[40hz]

Depends on what software you want to use. But a Google search for "create 3d cylinder" will net you dozens of tutorials.

Here's one search result:

http://www.vecpix.com/tutorials/illustrator/il013.php

Luck!

-------

P.S. From the looks of it, I'm fairly certain they used Adobe Illustrator to do that graphic. 

[kalos]

first, are they really graphics or real items being photographed?
second, can anyone duplicate them? or ever created such graphics?

[40hz]

I would be very surprised if they weren't created entirely on a computer. For this type of image, it would actually be harder to do it photographically than it would be to do it digitally.

Anyone can duplicate any image provided they have the necessary hardware, software, and know-how. Fortunately, creating such graphics readily falls within the capabilities of affordable hardware and software setups. Know-how is a little harder to come by. But, again fortunately, there is a huge amount of free instruction and help available online to allow you to produce just about any type of graphic image you want to. Much of it is step-by-step instruction too.

[kalos]

can we analyze a bit more these specific bars?

what kind of effects do they have
what kind of shapes
what kind of colors
etc

[Deozaan]

You're thinking about it too much. (or perhaps not enough)

They're just cylinders created in some 3D modeling program with a glossy/reflective texture applied to them. Any amateur could probably get the cylinders and pie chart created in 5-10 minutes with some software such as 3D Studio Max.

[40hz]

This took all of 2 minutes using two freeware apps. I did it using the most entry level programs I had as a proof of concept.

The cylinder is composed of: two ellipses, one rectangle, and a simple gradient fill.

[attachthumb=#]

If I spent more time, or used a more sophisticated graphics program that allowed me to use textures, reflections, and play with the lighting sources and angles, I could have easily made it look even more like a 'real' object.

The point I'm trying to make is that anybody should be able to create decent illustrations with today's hardware and software.

[fenixproductions]

Little better

about 30 minutes in Inkscape

P.S. Pretty nice article:
http://www.tutorial9.net/tutorials/illustrator-tutorials/create-beautiful-3d-graphs-and-charts-in-illustrator/

[JavaJones]

Why bother doing it manually and statically when you can do it automatically on the dynamic data?

http://www.crystalgraphics.com/presentations/charts.main.asp
http://www.perspector.com/gallery_3dcharts.cfm

Keywords used: "powerpoint 3d chart"

- Oshyan

[Deozaan]

I still think the image in the original post is of much higher quality than the ones posted here done with 2D drawing applications or automatically generated from data. That's why I mentioned a 3D modeling program.

[JavaJones]

Yes, those charts are clearly not made to have actual meaning, so they were probably done in a 3D app. But the main difference between those and what you can do natively in PPT with plugins appears to be down to reflectivity mostly (as far as visual effects). If that particular effect is not a requirement, the Powerpoint plugins do a pretty darn good job and, importantly, on the actual data (so if you change or add to the data, your chart can update quickly, easily, automatically).

Here's another example:
http://oomfo.com/
http://www.fusioncharts.com/

- Oshyan

[40hz]

I still think the image in the original post is of much higher quality than the ones posted here done with 2D drawing applications or automatically generated from data. That's why I mentioned a 3D modeling program.

Very true. But a 3D modeling app represents a bigger investment in resources and knowledge in order to get that more realistic output. So to me, it all comes down to what constitutes "acceptable" results.

Most people can handle 2D and get very realistic effects. From what I've seen, modeling programs constitute a much larger challenge since it's harder to think in 3D, which requires some education and practice. Just like drawing. Almost anybody can do a 2D cartoon sketch. Far fewer ever develop the skills needed to do what would beconsidered a 'good drawing.'

I think most of the replies to the question were attempting to demonstrate that it's not difficult to do a graphic similar to the example. The person who asked the question seemed to give the impression that he thought it would be a much harder task than it is. So most of the suggestions were intended to "empower" him to give it a try.

All of which didn't exactly answer his question...while your post did, since a modelling program would generate better results. I don't think anybody here meant to make it seem like they were ignoring your point. You are 100% correct.

But since when has directly answering any question been the DC way?