Alpha add does not work to close unwanted seam

[Roei Tzoref]

Alpha add won’t work in some cases, just increase the mask expansion in 1 pixel.

Roei Tzoref
2D/VFX Generalist & Instructor
♫ AeBlues Tutorials ♫
http://www.tzoref.com

[Lan lan Liu]

Thank you Roei,

Unfortunately the 1px expansion didn’t work either. I believe it’s because I have 3d layers stacked on top of each other because when I remove all the 3d layers underneath, there is no seam during flipping animation (the background color does not show through).

[Steve Bentley]

Try shifting one or more of the layers 1 more pixel in the z than the other layers – you may be seeing some overlap

[Roland R. kahlenberg]

Apply Effects>Channel>Minimax to one of the layers.
Apply the following changes to the default:
Operation : Maximum
Radius : 1
Channel : Alpha

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[Lan lan Liu]

Thank you Steve and Ronald,

This forum is so supportive! Somehow shifting the z-index and the minimax effect still won’t work in my case. I found that the problem will go away if I make the bottom layers back to 2d and only keep one top layer as 3d. This solves my issue. I will just have to change my work flow.

Thank you! I learned quite a bit from this thread 🙂

[Steve Bentley]

You can also add an adjustment layer (with nothing on it) below the 3D layer giving you grief – this way you can keep the bottom layer 3D too. What this does is render everything below the adjustment layer and puts it into a 2D buffer, and then renders the rest of the stuff on top in 3D. Its a great way to have full 3D but separate layers that might intersect.
Its also great for making shadows as graphic elements on 3D planes below the object “casting” the shadows when you don’t want to use 3D lights or if you are doing a perspective hack where any cast shadows wouldnt really angle correctly.

[Lan lan Liu]

Thank you Steve!

This WORKED! I have a ton of 3d layers and I put an adjustment layer on top of each like you said. And the seam is gone! Thank you! Now I don’t have to rework my workflow 🙂

[Roei Tzoref]

Instead of adjustment layers to cancel 3D interaction, I prefer to add an inactive layer style to the layer by right clicking->add layer style. Choose anything and then simply check its visibility to off (for example “Drop Shadow” while leaving visibility on for “Layer Styles”. So no additional layers. More elegant 🙂

Roei Tzoref
2D/VFX Generalist & Instructor
♫ AeBlues Tutorials ♫
http://www.tzoref.com

[Roland R. kahlenberg]

I’m surprised Minimax didn’t work. Did you try increasing the Radius value? Also, other than placing an Adjustment Layer and applying a Layer Style to break 3D interactions, a 2D Null Layer will do the same trick with less compute requirements.

PathSlicer – Advanced AE Shape Layer Effect
https://www.broadcastgems.com/pathSlicer
– create highly customizable custom animated typefaces
– create amazing transitions
– create cool lower 3rds and panels
– create burst effects
Do it all on a single Shape layer with minimal keyframes.

TypeGEMs – The Most Complete Type Tool Effect for AE
https://www.broadcastgems.com/typegems/

Intensive mocha & AE Training in Singapore and Other Dangerous Locations
Adobe After Effects CC ACE/ACI
BorisFX mocha Certified Instructor

[Lan lan Liu]

Hi Roei,

Thank you for the great tip! Layer style is indeed more elegant and is easier to copy/paste/delete too. I noticed that it seems to render just a little bit slower probably because my computer is a bit old. I’m so happy to be learning so many tips. Thank you!