(21 votes, average: 4.19 out of 5)
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Here is a quick way to create wood grain effect using the warp tools in illustrator.
1. Creating the stripes
Select the Rectangle Tool, and draw a thin rectangle. Using the Selection Tool, Alt/Option drag it to create a instance at the bottom. Repeat this step by pressing Ctrl/Command+D to create a row of stripes.
2. Different stripe weights
Select all the rows of stripes then go to Object>Transform>Transform Each. Enter the values above and make sure the Random field is checked to give it a random height.
3. Natural stripe effect
Double click the Warp Tool and use the settings below. Now with the Warp Tool we brush through the row of lines in a horizontal direction. This will distort the stripes giving it a more natural look.
4. Giving it a Twirl
Next we select the Twirl Tool. Double click to change to the settings above. We need a medium sized brush to the twirl on the wood grain. With the Twirl tool, lightly click on different areas to give the stripes a twirl. Do not hold for too long as it will overly distort the stripes. You can change the brush size of the Twirl Tool by holding down Option+Shift /Alt+Shift.
4. Pucker it
Using the Pucker Tool, with the setting above. We pucker different sections of the stripes to make the stripes contract.
4. Touch up the wood grain
To make the stripes thinner, I select all the stripes and squash it using the Transform Tool.
5. Trim the edges
Select all the wood grain and fill it with dark brown. Draw a light brown rectangle and send it to the back. Copy the rectangle by pressing Ctrl/Command+C. Next, paste it to the front by pressing Ctrl/Command+F. Select all and right click to select Make Clipping Path. This will crop away the edges.
Heres the final wood texture.
Extra Tip:
Applying the pucker effect above areas which has the twirl effect will give it a more natural look.
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January 21st, 2008 at 11:46 am
A good use of those weird Illustrator tools.
January 22nd, 2008 at 6:07 pm
sir,
thanks
xxxx
January 22nd, 2008 at 6:35 pm
[...] our previous lesson I have taught you how to create realistic wood texture. We will move on from there to create a [...]
February 19th, 2008 at 11:32 pm
Thanks, this was really useful, I look forward to more tutorials
February 29th, 2008 at 4:26 am
Thanks a bunch! I was really hoping that I wasn’t going to have to use some gargantuan Photoshop file for my 30 inch by 60 inch art! I mainly changed brush size settings to be huge, and it worked out great. :~D
March 17th, 2008 at 8:29 am
The last step photo does not look like your final artwork. What is next? How do I change the color of the lines? How do I combine the rectangle with the lines?
March 27th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
I have updated the tutorial. See step 5 to trim away the edges.
April 14th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
nice
April 18th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
simple but reall … TQ…
April 24th, 2008 at 11:55 am
Thats cool I would have never thought of that thanks
This is creative, i love illustrator tutorials <3 I love illustrator 
May 20th, 2008 at 3:22 am
[...] iStockdiary Woodgrain Tutorial [...]
May 26th, 2008 at 2:13 am
I have an antique rosewood armoire that has no crest.I have a walnut crest but I would like for it to appear like rosewood. If you have any suggestions,please advise.Sincerely,Bruce Stewart
May 27th, 2008 at 10:24 pm
[...] or just starting out, Vectips can lend you a hand. </p> <p><a href=”http://www.istockdiary.com/illustrator/illustrator-tutorial-wood-grain/” target=”_blank”>iStockdiary Woodgrain Tutorial</a></p> [...]
July 14th, 2008 at 5:28 pm
[...] 9-Wood Grain- Here is a quick way to create wood grain effect using the warp tools in illustrator. [...]
July 21st, 2008 at 1:46 pm
[...] trees in Illustrator 6-Illustrator Tutorial: Figure Shading 7-Texture 8-Realistic Curtain 9-Wood Grain 10-Simple organic shapes the Illustrator way 11-Free Watercolor Brushes and Tutorial 12-3D [...]
August 1st, 2008 at 10:07 am
hey fellas, does anyone know how to digitally implant realistic objects onto a ‘ai’ file, like for example putting a pen or a ruler object. looking realistic?
my aim is to have a presentation look like a photograph i guess. therefore showing shadows….
cheers,
August 1st, 2008 at 10:25 pm
[...] in Illustrator 6-Illustrator Tutorial: Figure Shading 7-Texture 8-Realistic Curtain 9-Wood Grain 10-Simple organic shapes the Illustrator way 11-Free Watercolor Brushes and Tutorial 12-3D [...]
August 2nd, 2008 at 9:23 am
Hi Ed, you can draw a realistic ruler or pen easily in illustrator using gradients. Try it.
August 3rd, 2008 at 5:23 pm
[...] 9-Wood Grain- Here is a quick way to create wood grain effect using the warp tools in illustrator. [...]
August 4th, 2008 at 9:47 am
So easy.
August 16th, 2008 at 9:35 am
it is really easy. but - I have one question: how to make last step???? this one-Select all the wood grain and fill it with dark brown. Draw a light brown rectangle and send it to the back. Copy the rectangle by pressing Ctrl/Command+C. Next, paste it to the front by pressing Ctrl/Command+F. Select all and right click to select Make Clipping Path. This will crop away the edges….OK!it is gonna be finish, but I tryed couple times and it is not works.not crop eges.how to finish this wood? I did it step by step, but last one make me problem:(it doesn’t looks like wood…heeelp!!
August 16th, 2008 at 9:44 am
Hi Lana, try grouping all the grain together by pressing Ctrl+G to group it. Then select the rectangle above the grain and right click to select Make Clipping Path. Hope it helps!
August 25th, 2008 at 7:13 am
hey again,
another question for anyone who might know:
changing the scale of Ai patterns?
for example, having a zebra pattern on an A4 Ai document, then changing the document to a larger scale, (A1). patterns become tiles? how to avoid that?
Cheers,