How can I convert paths into one plane

Question

I'm trying to make a 3D version out of a logo, just for a bit of fun. I have an SVG of the logo which I've imported into blender and what I want is one surface where each closed path cuts into that surface so I can have each element at different levels.

What I've done is import the SVG, convert all of the paths to a mesh and join them all together as one object. I then did a limited dissolve to clean up the mesh. I get something like

enter image description here

Which is great but none of the paths of vertices is connected to any of the others, for example if I extrude one of the regions down then this is obscured by another region layered on top of it. Its just full of loads and loads of planes on top of each other. So can anyone help me with where I need to go from here? to make something like

enter image description here

Thanks very much!

Try using the extrude parameter of the curve object (Properties > Object Data) before converting it to a mesh. — gandalf3, Mar 15 '15 at 21:51
@someonewithpc Thanks for your suggestion but I just end up with a collection of disconnected vertices seemingly more or less at random — Leo Sutton, Mar 16 '15 at 01:05
@gandalf3 I'm afraid I don't understand how to use the extrude parameter. I assume by properties you mean the menu that appears with N. This doesn't have a section object data though — Leo Sutton, Mar 16 '15 at 01:10
I meant the properties editor, which is the big one farther to the right (the names can be confusing) — gandalf3, Mar 16 '15 at 01:53

score 1 · Answer 1 · answered Mar 16 '15 at 10:43

Start by deselecting everything. Then move your cursor over a piece of your logo and press L this will select all connected vertices to the piece under your cursor. Now you can extrude E the selected section to the height you want.

Repeat this process for each piece. After extruding a section I would then hide it by selecting all linked vertices (the extrude will deselect the original vertices as you move the extruded side) and pressing H. When you are finished ⎇ AltH will un-hide the vertices.

enter image description here

How can I convert paths into one plane

1 Answers1