3D objects

[Simon Bonner]

Well, that depends what you mean. AE has some 3D capabilties. You can place layers in 3D space (hitting the 3D switch for the layer in the timeline panel) and move a camera around them. The layers will still be flat, though. Some effects, such as particle effects or the shatter effect, are in true 3D, so search for more info on these if that’s what you want to do. To make text or other vector graphics extruded and 3D-like you can either use a 3rd party plugin from the likes of Zaxwerks or use one of the several tricks that are out there. You might also want to look up vanishing point if you have CS3 or above.

However, if you want to create ‘real’ 3D you will be better off using a programme like Cinema 4D, 3Ds Max or the free Blender.

It’s quite a big topic and to go into it all in detail would take too long, really. But hopefully this will give you an idea of the sort of things of which AE is (and is not) capable.

Simon Bonner

youtube.com/simonsaysFX