Import a 3D model into your project and add it to a composition by dragging and dropping it to the Timeline panel.
Last updated on
Apr 2, 2025
Learn how to light your 3D compositions by using a composition, video, or image layer as an environment light source.
In addition to using HDR and EXR still-image files, you can now assign videos, still images, animated compositions, and other layers as sources for Environment light. This added flexibility when working with Advanced 3D Render Engine allows for greater creative control, resulting in more dynamic and realistic lighting effects in your 3D projects.
Animated Environment Lights allow 3D models to dynamically respond to variations in light brightness, color, and position from the video, resulting in natural and contextually accurate lighting and reflections.
Animated Environment Lights allow 3D models to react to changes in light brightness, color, and position in the video.
Add a video as a source of Environment Light
Add the video you want to use as environment light to your project and drag and drop it to the Timeline panel.
Add an environment light by seelcting Layer > New > Light, and set the Light Type to Environment.
Twirl open the Environment Light properties in the Timeline panel.
Under the Light Options, set the Source property to the layer with video.
Note
- Apart from videos, you can also point Environment Lights to animated native layers such as Shape, Text, and Solid layers and animated compositions.
- If a layer is a 3D object, a light, a camera, a 3D null, or a normal layer with the 3D switch applied, you cannot choose it as a source for Environment Lights.
Result
An example where a video was used as the Environment light.
The 3D model and background video used are available on Adobe Stock.
Tip
Use the Create 3D Environment Background Layer command to create a solid layer at the bottom of the composition, with the CC Environment linked to the selected light's Source map and a 5px Fast Box Blur applied to soften the background.
Create a composition and animate it.
Create a new composition and import a 3D model into your project.
Add the imported 3D model to a composition by dragging and dropping it to the Timeline panel.
Drag and drop the animated composition from the Project panel to the timeline.
Add an environment light by seelcting Layer > New > Light, and set the Light Type to Environment.
Twirl open the Environment Light properties in the Timeline panel.
Under the Light Options, set the Source property to the layer with video.
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