Moving mask vertices in z axis

[Delete]

As far I ‘m aware. AE 3d is limited to the use of 2D planes in 3D space so you have two option for masking in 3D space. You either mask the 2D plane and set it at a desired depth, or you pre-compose the 3D composition as a 2D layer and mask out your selection on the 2D pre-comp.

{If, for instance you needed to have a “cloaked ship” in your 3D space that you can see interacting (shadow) with other stuff then blinking out. You may want to consider pre-comping your layers in staged groups and re-stacking the pre-comps with the appropriately added mask. Play with your layers to deliver the illusion you’re looking for. 90% of AE is illusion of 3D anyhow.}

http://www.xonikz.com

[Darby Edelen]

[craigcow7] “I know of course you can rotate or moving an entire mask in the z-axis–but is there a way to *directly* position an individual vertex in z space?”

You can’t actually rotate masks in 3D space. You can rotate the layer that the mask is applied to though, a subtle distinction but worth making. The only thing similar to a mask that can exist in 3D space is a motion path.

Perhaps you could be more specific as to what you are trying to accomplish and we might be able to offer more helpful help =)

Darby Edelen
DVD Menu Artist
Left Coast Digital
Aptos, CA

[Craig Wall]

Yes your distinction is a good — and important one. I have been working on several projects where I am creating “motion” paths for objects in 3D space. What I have resorted to doing is using a null–because I can more easily see it. Then I pick whip the z position over to my primary target–or emitter as the case often is.

I long to be able to change the camera angle and work from the top with a pen tool and create my vertices across the Z axis. I think the short answer is: I can’t. Period.

It’s not a specific project-oriented question, but one of general work flow.

[Darby Edelen]

[craigcow7] “I long to be able to change the camera angle and work from the top with a pen tool and create my vertices across the Z axis. I think the short answer is: I can’t. Period.”

If you’re actually talking about motion paths then this is easy to do. Just change your view to top (or use a 4 up view) and use the pen tool to alter the vertices. Motion path vertices have bezier handles just like Mask vertices (only they can extend in three dimensions).

This is the workflow you’d use for anything that moves, hence my request for specifics about why it was Mask vertices in particular that you were concerned about being able to place in 3D…

Darby Edelen
DVD Menu Artist
Left Coast Digital
Aptos, CA