How to Make a 3-D Maze

In a series of posts I will show you how to make a maze in a wide variety of design constructions. The 28th type of maze construction is the 3-D maze. Let’s define what I mean, then get into the example. Every example will use the sample basic outline (the state of Ohio) to better illustrate the differences between each maze type.

3-D Maze (on paper, not in a modeling program) - A maze that uses layers and colors to create a 3-D look. Different than a Depth maze in that it uses multiple colors to create “shadows” for the different layered sides and it completes the corners.

HOW TO MAKE A 3D (LOOKING) MAZE

As I mentioned above this is how to make a 3D looking maze on a piece of paper or a screen, NOT how to make a 3D model of a maze using a program meant for that.

• Step 1 - Draw a Maze

Draw any type of maze that has wide pathways (they work best when making depth and 3-D mazes). For help making a maze check out any of my “How to Make _____ Maze” posts. For my example I used a very easy Standard Path maze (I might even consider it a Kids maze). While there is a start and goal to this maze I complete them later.

• Step 2 - Shift the Maze in a New Color

Copy the maze into a new contrasting color and shift it slightly in two directions. I chose red and shifting to the NE.

• Step 3 - Fix the Corners

Create a dimensional effect by filling in the corners of the back layer and connecting them to the corner of the front layer. This is done in the color of the back layer.

• Step 4 - Make the Start and Goal

Cut through the outline to create the start and goal ensuring there is enough for the solver to move through. Also complete any corner walls needed by the changes you made. In my example the exit is not quite correct. Can you find the mistake ?

• Step 5 - Change One Directional Color

Using a contrasting color choose one of the directions and color it. This will give the maze 3 different coloration’s, one for the top layer, and two for the back layer. In my example I used aqua to contrast with the red and black. I also fixed the exit issue from Step 5.

• Step 6 - Draw the Solution

Highlight the correct path in the final version of the maze to create the final maze solution (shown here in lime).

An Additional 3D Maze example

In this example of a 3-D maze you can see how a grid construction looks as a 3-D maze. Using a grid is more work to create, but the result is worth the effort.

Interested in learning how to make or draw other types of digital mazes ? I have step by step instructions on how to make over 40 different maze types.

If you prefer making labyrinths, you can find step by step labyrinth making instructions.

How to Make a Pattern Maze

In a series of posts I will show you how to make a maze in a wide variety of design constructions. The 27th type of maze construction is the Pattern maze. Let’s define what I mean, then get into the example. Every example will use the sample basic outline (the state of Ohio) to better illustrate the differences between each maze type.

Pattern Maze - A Maze that uses a common pattern to create the walls and paths. Examples are a Greek Key, Plaid, Hounds-tooth, Herringbone or Argyle.

How to Make a Pattern Maze

Before we dive into the step by step of making a pattern maze I want to acknowledge that this how to was done for traditional patterns. You may also use a Draw and Cut construction to make a version of these mazes. I will show a few examples that use that method in my additional examples section.

Step 1 - Draw the Outline (if needed)

The outline of the maze makes the outer wall of the maze. It can be anything from a simple shape like a square, to a complex picture. The outline should be thicker than the internal lines to give the maze definition. In the example below I chose the state of Ohio.

Step 1.5 - Choose the Start and Goal

For the below example I chose the start of Cleveland and the goal of Cincinnati.

Step 2 - Draw the Pattern

This seems like a large step and it is. There are hundreds of possible patterns that can be used. Pick a pattern that fits your outline and can be used as a maze. For my example I went with the Argyle pattern and chose to use the white lines in the pattern as the pathways. I also adjusted the start and goal arrows to match the pattern.

Step 3 - Create Walls or Pathways

Create walls or pathways using the pattern. For my example I cut barriers into the lines to block some pathways.

Step 4 - Make the Maze Solution

Highlight the correct path in the final version of the maze to create the final maze solution (shown here in green).

Additional Pattern Maze Examples

Probably the best example of a pattern maze is the Greek Key pattern below. The Greek Key pattern is seen in labyrinths and maze designs naturally, so making slight changes to create a maze makes sense. The great part about this maze is it is very easy to hide the openings in pathways.

Another example of a pattern maze is this Camouflage Maze, where the solver travels on a base green color that is established at the entrance of the maze. The making of this maze would not fit well with the instructions above. Here I drew the camo patterns and then adjusted the camo to create walls.

And my third example uses the draw and cut construction method to create the pattern maze. Here the pattern is in black and white and i used white pathways to cut through the pattern and create a maze.

Back to a more traditional pattern, a Hound's-tooth Maze. If you take a step back and do not see the arrows you would have no idea this is a maze.

Interested in learning how to make or draw other types of digital mazes ? I have step by step instructions on how to make over 40 different maze types.

If you prefer making labyrinths, you can find step by step labyrinth making instructions.

How to Make a Free Drawn Maze

In a series of posts I will show you how to make a maze in a wide variety of design constructions. The 26th type of maze construction is the Free Drawn maze. Let’s define what I mean, then get into the example. Every example will use the sample basic outline (the state of Ohio) to better illustrate the differences between each maze type.

Free Drawn Mazes - A maze where the walls are drawn by hand, or without a geometric structure.

How to Make a Free Drawn Maze

Step 1 - Draw the Outline

The outline of the maze makes the outer wall of the maze. It can be anything from a simple shape like a square, to a complex picture. The outline should be thicker than the internal lines to give the maze definition. In the example below I chose the state of Ohio.

Step 1.5 - Choose the Start and Goal

For the below example I chose the start of Cleveland and the goal of Cincinnati.

Step 2 - Start Drawing the Walls

Starting from entrance, begin drawing walls. In a free drawn maze the walls are hand drawn (or if done digitally without any specific geometric shape). Remember to keep an open pathway for solving at all times.

Continue drawing walls.

Step 3 - Complete the Maze

Draw the necessary walls to make the final pathways and complete the maze.

Step 4 - Make the Maze Solution

Highlight the correct path in the final version of the maze to create the final maze solution (shown here in red).

Additional Free Drawn Maze Examples

Two good examples of using free drawn lines to construct mazes are the Bacon maze and the Crushed Can maze. The structure of each object made the choice of construction easy.

Another good example of a free drawn maze is this Vegetables Maze, which features a maze thru the lettuce. The construction really works well with the shape of the leaves.

My next example is another food maze (if you make a food maze maybe consider free drawing it?). This Garlic Maze uses free drawn lines to accentuate the rounded shape.

Interested in learning how to make or draw other types of digital mazes ? I have step by step instructions on how to make over 40 different maze types.

If you prefer making labyrinths, you can find step by step labyrinth making instructions.

How to Make a Kids Maze

In a series of posts I will show you how to make a maze in a wide variety of design constructions. The 25th type of maze construction is the Kids maze. Let’s define what I mean, then get into the example. Every example will use the sample basic outline (the state of Ohio) to better illustrate the differences between each maze type. At the end of the post there is a free downloadable maze book for Kids !

Kids Maze - A maze that is geared for young children is an easy maze. You don’t want the child to get frustrated and quit before reaching the goal. Kids mazes have wide pathways and obvious, short dead ends. It also should include labels for the start and goal.

How to Make a Kids Maze

Step 1 - Draw the Outline

The outline of the maze makes the outer wall of the maze. It can be anything from a simple shape like a square, to a complex picture. The outline should be thicker than the internal lines to give the maze definition. In the example below I chose the state of Ohio.

Step 1.5 - Choose the Start and Goal

For the below example I chose the start of Cleveland and the goal of Cincinnati. Consider adding the words START and GOAL to the maze to replace the arrows, or in addition to them,

Note that a kids maze construction can be standard, grid, arrow, or really anything that is able to be adjustable in difficulty for children. Below is a Kids Standard Maze !

Step 2 - Start Drawing the Walls

Starting from entrance, begin drawing walls. Walls should be far apart to build wide pathways. Any dead ends you make should be short and obvious. I also widened the entrance and goal.

Step 3 - Complete the Walls

Draw the necessary walls to make the final pathways and complete the maze.

Step 4 - Label the Start and Goal

Give kids an extra cue by labeling the Start and Goal of the maze.

Step 5 - Make the Maze Solution

Highlight the correct path in the final version of the maze to create the final maze solution (shown here in red). Notice how the white spaces ( the dead ends) are obvious.

Additional Kids Maze Examples

The T-Rex dinosaur maze below is a subject many children would enjoy. The maze is extremely easy with only obvious and minimal turns in addition to being in full color.

In this second example of a Kids maze we find directions on solving in the place of a labeled start and goal. This is also an example of an Object as Goal maze, in this case a flower as the goal. The subject matter is appropriate and a version of this maze can be found in many Kids activity books.

My third example is a Kids maze that is also a Find Items maze. Again the subject matter is something that should appeal to children and the maze is easy.

I wanted to show a different maze type designed for Kids. This Kids Arrow Maze is 7x8 in size. If you look at the contents of the grids there are only 4 choice arrows in the maze. If you make a wrong choice the arrows will lead you back to where you were, making quick loops for wrong turns. Loops are better than dead ends for kids because they can continue to move forward and solve the maze.

Another example for Kids is this Puzzle Maze. A puzzle maze can get very complicated. This uses just 2 colors and the need to know the difference between even and odd numbers. It is also on a small 6x6 size grid.

Free downloadable kids maze book

EASY MAZES FOR KIDS BOOK

A free downloadable book featuring 30 different mazes. Includes standard mazes, mazes where you need to avoid items, and mazes where you need to collect items ! A nice beginning maze book.

File Size: 2,013 KB

Interested in learning how to make or draw other types of digital mazes ? I have step by step instructions on how to make over 40 different maze types.

If you prefer making labyrinths, you can find step by step labyrinth making instructions.