Clearing things UP, Stroke, continuosly rasterize 3D, scaling , zooming etc

[Steve Renard]

Hi Kevin,

I think I understand the trouble you’re running into, but my apologies if my answer doesn’t help your situation. I think there are two issues you’re running into:
1. You need to make sure you understand what the Continuously Rasterize/Collapse Transformations switch does – it will Continuously Rasterize your Illustrator file, but it can wreak havoc on 3D space if you’re not careful with it. For a quick tutorial, see the very bottom of this message.
2. It sounds like whatever effect you’re using for the stroke is not recognizing the 3D space you’re setting up, and so it’s getting throw off. There are a lot of effects like this that won’t turn into 3D elements if they’re not pre-comped first. I’m not sure if you’re trying to use the stroke to reveal the Illustrator image, or if you’re drawing something new onto the AI image with the stroke effect, but it doesn’t really matter – either way you’re going to have to take an extra step to make sure the stroke is rendered onto the Illustrator image in a 2D comp before putting it into a 3D space.

So, here’s how I would do it, and I hope this helps. This does involve working around the fact that the Continuously Rasterize switch is ALSO the Collapse Transformations switch, but it should get the job done:
1. Plunk that AI file into a new comp all on it’s own and call it “AI Comp”. Make the comp big enough that it won’t break down as you zoom in on it – say… 2000×2000 or so (more if you’re working in HD).
2. Turn on the CR/CT switch for the illustrator layer and scale it so the whole image fits within the boundaries of the comp. DO NOT make this layer a 3D layer.
3. Apply your stroke effect.
4. Make a new comp the same size as AI Comp and call it “Collapse Comp.”
5. Drag AI Comp into Collapse Comp and leave it alone.
6. Make another comp called “Master Comp” at your render resolution – 720×486 or whatever it is.
7. Drag Collapse Comp into Master Comp, and set the 3D switch on Collapse Comp to ON. DO NOT turn on the CR/CT switch

You should now have a 3D layer that you can manipulate, and is large enough that you can get pretty close to it without it breaking down. However, you still can’t get right up next to it or it will pixelate – this is either a failing of my knowledge, or of the program. Personally, I think the CR/CT switch should be two different switches, to avoid this problem, but there you go.

As I say I hope this helps, and good luck with your project. A short tutorial on how to understand the CR/CT switch follows.

1. Obviously you know that turning on the CR/CT switch will Continuously Rasterize a vector file placed into a comp as a layer. However, it will also do some crazy stuff with effects and also with 3D space.
2. Start with a new comp, 720×486, called Comp 1. Make a new solid layer called Layer 1, that is a light gray color. Turn the 3D switch on for Layer 1, and rotate it to the right on the Y axis, then pull it forward on the Z axis. (use the handles on the solid itself, not the settings in the timeline)
3. Duplicate Layer 1 to create Layer 2. Change the color of Layer 2 to a slightly darker gray, then move it a bit further forward on the Z axis, so it’s a little apart from Layer 1.
4. Repeat step 3 to create Layer 3, and move it a bit away from the other two layers.
5. Make another new comp, called Comp 2. Drag Comp 1 into Comp 2.
6. In Comp 2, create a new camera.
7. In Comp 2, on the Comp 1 layer, turn on the CR/CT switch and the 3D switch. Use the camera tools to move around the resulting 3D array, then turn off the CR/CT switch and see how things look different.

Again, good luck and I hope this is helpful!

Steve

[Kevin Mild]

Thanks a million :).
Going to try it out tomorrow first thing.

Cheers again Steve!

[Kevin Mild]

No luck :(.
Scaling the ai layer to fit the pre comp of 2000px x 2000px wont work. The stroke effect brush size is limited to 50, it wont cover the scaled ai layer. Beginning to wonder if after effects is the tool to really get this effect to work. How can one preserver quality when revealing (masking) a object in 3d or within some kind of perspective.

How do they do the animation where the camera is zoomed in on a line that grows. When growing the camera follow and zooms out with a angle. The quality of the line is sharp and all the other graphic ornaments.

🙁 am i still missing something 🙂

Thanks

[Kevin Mild]

Woohoo solved the mystery. i think 🙂

Well i probably misread or misunderstood this way of doing it (Yes its explained here in the forums i think).
I think i’ll try to give it a go in explaining what i did.

Basically the power lies in continuosly rasterize(CR), solid, alpha matte, stroke, 3d, parenting, setting the right switches.

In my comp i have a illustrator layer and a solid.

1. The solid is on top of the illustrator layer.
2. Draw the mask on this layer and apply the stroke effect(animate).
3. Switch on the CR and 3D switch for the illustrator layer.
4. Make the solid parent of the illustrator layer.
5. Switch on 3D switch for the solid.
6. alpha matte the illustrator layer.

The dont’s.
Don’t precompose this. If u put the composition with the above attributes and layers into another comp the CR switch becomes the CT(Collapse transformation) switch. Turning it on will destroy the whole rendering of the stroke effect!

If i’m wrong please Correct me. So far i can scale, animate camera, have 3d and all RENDERS WELL sharp clean and perfect.

Cheers CREATIVECOW u guys helped me a bunch pfiew pulled some hair on this one.

[Steve Renard]

Congrats Kevin! Sounds like you found a great solution to your problem. I will have to give it a shot next time I’m in the same position.

Steve

[Kevin Mild]

Thanks man! Well thanks to u Steve for explaining the CR and CT. Thats what got me thinking!

Cheers Kevin