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No shadow casting with 3D Invigorator
Hi!
I’m using 3D Invigorator to create some 3D elements in a scene. The thing is that all my layers cast and reflect shadows, only the invigorator object doesn’t. I already switched on “shadow casting” inside the options. But it doesn’t help. I’m using comp camera and comp lights.
You can see an example here.
I guess I’m doing something wrong, but what…Thanks a lot in advance!
Stef Prein
student Image and Media Technology
Utrecht School of the Arts
The Netherlands
http://www.stefprein.com -
6 Replies
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Hi Stef,
When working with shadows in 3D Invigorator, you need to create a surface in 3D Invigorator for the shadows to fall on. This surface can either be a plane, or any other 3D objects such as primitives. If you don’t want the surface to show up, you can apply a “Shadow Catcher” material onto the plane. This will allow you to see the shadow without seeing the surface of the object. By doing this, you can have the shadow look like it’s falling onto the After Effects 3D Layer.
If you have questions about this, let me know.
Best,
Edward -
Hi Edward,
Thanks for your reply! So if I understand you correctly, I have to create a plane inside Invigorator and apply shadow casting to that plane?
Thank you,
Stef
Stef Prein
student Image and Media Technology
Utrecht School of the Arts
The Netherlands
http://www.stefprein.com -
Hi Stef,
Right. Create a plane inside of 3D Invigorator, and position it so that the shadow can fall onto the plane. Then, you can work with either the 3D Invigorator lights, or the After Effects lights. Be sure to turn on Casts Shadows/Shadow Casting and you should be able to see the shadow on the plane.
Best,
Edward -
Hi Edward,
Thanks again! I’ve got one more question. So if I set this up correctly, I have animate my object within Invigorator. Or, can I assign the plane and object to different sets, so I can animate my object using a control layer in AE?
Thank you,
Stef
Stef Prein
student Image and Media Technology
Utrecht School of the Arts
The Netherlands
http://www.stefprein.com -
It worked out! I created two planes for the wall and floor. But the shadow quality is terrible! I already tried to crank it up in the user settings. But nothing changed. How can I fix this?
Thank you,
Stef
Stef Prein
student Image and Media Technology
Utrecht School of the Arts
The Netherlands
http://www.stefprein.com -
Hi Stef,
Try making the plane no bigger than necessary. The shadow map size is spread onto the plane, so if the plane is much bigger than the shadow map, the shadows will look jaggedy. So, try making the floor plane smaller, or use Shadow Diffusion/Softness to soften the look of the shadow.
Best,
Edward
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