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What’s Needed to do 3D in After Effects?
Hi Creative Cow,
I’ve done a number of After Effects tutorials in the past. Most of them require a 3rd party software for 3D modeling/rendering.
Is there one out there that’s free/cheap and relatively easy to use?
I typically work in Flash, but a client of mine needs a basic rotating 3D logo. It will be easy to do, but I need the right tools, and don’t want to spend a lot on one small job.
Any suggestions appreciated.
Thanks!
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9 Replies
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If you’re looking for a true 3D model (and not a flat object in 3D space), you’ll need a 3D modeling app such as Cinema 4D or the like. I’m sure there are other more basic, cheaper ones out there.
After Effects cannot to true 3D modeling.
Adobe CS3, Apple FCS2
[Disclaimer: Sometimes I am an idiot and misinterpret people’s posts. I’m sorry.] -
Yeah, Cinema 4D looks like the app I’d buy if I had money to spend.
$1000 in this market just isn’t feasible though. Thanks though.
I was thinking maybe some kind of Swift 3D or Papervision. But I have no idea what apps out there are more intuitive than others…and less expensive.
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Depending on the complexity of the model, I suggest you look at Zaxwerks Invigorator Pro.
Its fairly easy to use and works well inside After Effects. However it is not a full 3D modeling application.
https://zaxwerks.com/invigorator_pro/index.shtml
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Blender is free, and it’s pretty well respected for a free program.
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Todd Kopriva, Adobe Systems Incorporated
putting the ‘T’ back in ‘RTFM’ : After Effects Help on the Web
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Cool, awesome, love it.
I’m just looking for color and depth. I don’t need skinning features etc.
Just plain old vector 3D rending with the ability to change hexidecimal data.
Easing would be nice, but is not necessary.
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Check out this plugin from maltannon called CE Shape Extruder.
https://maltaannon.com/articles/after-effects/ce-shapeextruder/
Click on the graphic at the top to watch the tutorial for it. Good luck.
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Blender is a very powerful program, but it’s a handful to get acquainted with…
I’ve seen great stuff come out of it though.
There’s no question that as far as capability for the buck, Blender is the ticket.
Swift is a bit easier to get something done right away IMO however…
TimK,
Director, Consultant
Kolb Productions, -
Swift 3D is what I’d recommend. Real easy to use, great quality exports in various formats that fit with AE. And very inexpensive.
I recently needed an animated 3D ceiling fan for an AE project. Drew the fan blades etc in Illustrator, imported/extruded in Swift, added materials/colors, animated the 3D rotating and exported as raster swf (.mov also possible) with alpha channel. Popped the swf into a layer in the AE Comp, made it loop and there it was, doing its 3D thang within AE.
jgs
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Caligari Truespace is now free, and has a decent feature set.
https://www.caligari.com/store/trueSpace/default.asp?SubCate=S2truespace&Cate=Store
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