Learn how to use the 3D Transform Gizmo to scale, position, and rotate 3D layers within a single tool.
Use the 3D Transform Gizmo to scale, position, and rotate 3D layers within a single tool. Unlike the older transform gizmo, this tool is faster and more intuitive, providing all the space manipulation tools in one. It works similarly to Dimension, allowing you to transform each axis within the same tool. You can eliminate the need to go into separate properties, such as position, scale, and rotation, to manipulate these.
Learn more about working in the 3D design animation space in After Effects.
The primary gizmo enables you to scale (square handles), position (arrows), and rotate (circles) an object in a single control. Simply click and drag the control you want to manipulate:
- Position handles, represented by arrows, allow you to move your selection in the direction the arrow is facing. When you move it, the pink lines that follow work as guides for you to know how far the object has moved from its origin point. Learn more about the Dimensional guide.
- Scale handles, represented by squares, allow you to stretch and scale your objects along the line the handle is placed on. Hold shift while scaling to scale uniformly in all directions.
- Rotate handles, represented by circles, allow you to rotate your objects in the direction of the line the handle is placed on. By default, rotation moves in increments of 1 degree. Hold Shift while rotating to snap rotation to increments of 5 degrees. Hold Command/Control while rotating to turn off rotation snapping and get decimal precision.
Different gizmo variations
The older versions of Transform Gizmo do not have individual states. The 3D Transform Gizmo starts with a Universal state, and the other variations are: Position, Scale, and Rotation. You can change them from the main toolbar.
Each of the colors represents a different axis - Red for X (horizontal), green for Y (vertical), and blue for Z (depth). Move each of the axis to change the orientation of the objects.
Universal state
Position-specific
Scale-specific
Rotation-specific
Different axis modes
After Effects enables you to switch between local and world axis space, and view axis mode that perform the following tasks:
- Moving anchor point
- Position & orientation
- Rotation with Y / Pan Behind / Anchor Point Tool
- Try combining the world, local space, or view axis mode along with the different states to get more control over the objects in 3D space.
- When you select multiple 3D layers at the same time, you can now manipulate them together using one unified 3D gizmo.
Dimensional guide
Use the dimensional guides while working with the gizmos to tell how far an object has moved or how many degrees it has been rotated. These guides update dynamically and provide information about the various states and modes of the gizmo.
For example, if you move the Position head (the arrow), it is followed by a pink line that indicates how far the object has moved from the origin point. There is also an intersection point marked by pink lines, which adds dynamic values to the different axes, enhancing speed and versatility in your 3D workflows.
Use hotkeys to switch between gizmos
You can edit these properties separately using the 4, 5, 6 keys to go to individual tools and manipulate the axes, or press the V key to get back to the universal gizmo. You can also focus on one type of property for greater precision. Edit the keyboard shortcut for these in the Keyboard Shortcut Editor.
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