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How can I apply an animated gradient to all sides of a 3D shape layer?
Hey everyone,
I’m working on a 3D podium made of three extruded shape layers (using the advanced 3D shape layer options in AE, not C4D renderer). I’d love to make each step look like a glowing LED panel — like a huge animated gradient screen you’d see in a shopping mall or on a concert stage.
I already created an animated gradient (using a solid + adjustment layer inside a precomp), and I want to map that onto each side of the 3D shape — top, front, side, etc.
I’ve tried using Set Matte, precomping the gradient and placing it in 3D space, using Collapse Transformations, and a bunch of other tricks… but I can’t figure out how to apply the gradient cleanly to all the visible faces of the extruded shape.
Is this even possible in After Effects (advanced 3D), or should I give up and rebuild the podium from solids or in a 3D app like Blender?
I’d prefer not to switch to Cinema 4D or fully rebuild everything if there’s any workaround — even if it’s a bit hacky. Appreciate any help or clever AE solutions.
Thanks in advance!
replied 1 year ago 2 Members · 5 Replies
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5 Replies
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Yo Roman! Send me the project file so i can inspect exactly where you’re at and i’ll record a custom tutorial with a simple solution i have in mind, talk soon!
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Here’s a preliminary tutorial for you, i hope this idea helps get closer!
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Thank you very much for answer! I have already started making pre-compositions out of desperation.
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This is a cool tutorial. I’ll try it as well!
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you’re welcome!
Pro tip: when you create the masks, recreate the faces of the 3d shape you need to wrap the animation on, as close as possible;
That way, you’ll just need to position the shapes on each face with very low pain since the aspect-ratio is already right!
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