After Effects 2024: A New Era of 3D Rendering
Adobe After Effects 2024 marks a significant leap forward in 3D capabilities, offering users three powerful rendering engines: Classic 3D, Cinema 4D, and Advanced 3D. Each engine provides unique features and advantages, catering to different project needs and complexity levels.
In this blog post, we'll explore these three rendering engines:
Classic 3D: The traditional After Effects renderer, perfect for basic 3D compositions using 2D layers in 3D space.
Cinema 4D: An enhanced renderer that brings more advanced 3D features like extrusion and beveling directly into After Effects.
Advanced 3D: The latest addition, allowing users to work with 3D models and achieve high-quality, realistic renders.
Exploring 3D in After Effects 2024: Classic Rendering Engine
In this tutorial, we look into the 3D capabilities of After Effects 2024, focusing on the Classic 3D rendering engine. The video covers:
Setting up a 3D composition with text and shape layers
Converting 2D layers to 3D and manipulating them in 3D space
Using the 3D widget to move and rotate objects
Exploring different viewing options and camera angles
Creating and animating a 3D camera
Adding lights to the scene, including spotlights and ambient lights
Adjusting shadow properties and material options for realistic effects
The instructor demonstrates how to create a simple yet effective 3D scene using flat 2D elements positioned in 3D space. They explain the process step-by-step, showcasing the Classic 3D renderer's strengths in creating graphic-style 3D compositions. This video is perfect for After Effects users looking to understand the basics of 3D animation and lighting within the software's traditional rendering environment.
Exploring After Effects 2024: The Cinema 4D Rendering Engine
This tutorial examines the Cinema 4D rendering engine in After Effects 2024, showcasing its advanced 3D capabilities. The video covers:
Creating a new composition with the Cinema 4D renderer
Setting up a scene with text, shape layers, and a background
Converting 2D layers to 3D and positioning them in 3D space
Utilizing the geometry options to extrude and bevel text and shapes
Adding lights to enhance the 3D effect, including spotlights and ambient lights
Adjusting material options and shadow properties
Demonstrating the ability to curve 2D layers in 3D space
Animating a 3D camera to create dynamic movement in the scene
The instructor explains how the Cinema 4D renderer allows for more complex 3D effects, such as extruding flat shapes into 3D objects and adding realistic bevels. They highlight the trade-off between enhanced visual capabilities and increased rendering time. This video is ideal for After Effects users looking to expand their 3D animation skills and create more sophisticated 3D scenes within the software.
Exploring After Effects 2024: The Advanced 3D Rendering Engine
This tutorial examines the Advanced 3D rendering engine in After Effects 2024, highlighting its ability to work with 3D models. The video covers:
Setting up a composition with the Advanced 3D renderer
Creating a scene with text, shape layers, and a background
Extruding and beveling text in the Advanced 3D environment
Importing 3D models (OBJ files) into After Effects
Positioning and animating 3D models within the composition
Using the environment light to create realistic shadows and light fall-off
Adjusting render quality settings and their impact on performance
Animating a 3D camera to create dynamic movement in the scene
Adding text animation to complement the 3D elements
The instructor explains how the Advanced 3D renderer allows for the integration of pre-made 3D models into After Effects projects. They emphasize the trade-off between visual quality and rendering time, noting that a 2-second sequence took about 5 minutes to render. The video showcases the potential for combining 2D and 3D elements in After Effects, while also highlighting the limitations compared to dedicated 3D animation software.
This tutorial is ideal for After Effects users interested in incorporating 3D models into their projects and understanding the capabilities and constraints of the Advanced 3D rendering engine.
