YUNOVA · After Effects
Module 12: 3D in After Effects
3D layers and the 3D workspace
Key points
- The 3D layer switch adds a Z axis for position, rotation and scale.
- Multiple views (Front, Top, Active Camera) help you place layers in depth.
- The renderer (Classic 3D, Advanced 3D) decides which 3D features are available.
Cameras and camera animation
Key points
- A camera layer views 3D layers; 2D layers ignore it.
- One-node cameras move freely; two-node cameras always look at a point of interest.
- Parenting a camera to a null makes smooth orbits and dolly moves easier.
Lights and shadows
Key points
- Light types are parallel, spot, point and ambient.
- A light casts shadows only if Casts Shadows is on for the light and the layer.
- Ambient light brightens everything evenly and casts no shadows.
Depth of field
Key points
- Depth of field is turned on in the camera settings.
- Focus distance sets the sharp plane; aperture sets how quickly blur falls off.
- Linking focus distance to a layer keeps that layer sharp as the camera moves.
Extruded 3D text and shapes
Key points
- Extrusion depth needs a 3D renderer that supports geometry options.
- Bevel style and depth shape the edges of extruded text.
- Lights and materials make extruded text read as solid 3D.