With After Effects 24.1, you can import your 3D models directly into your project and drop them into your composite alongside other 2D and 3D layers.
On this page:
Currently, GL Transmission Format Binary (GLB), Graphics Language Transmission Format (GLTF), Wavefront OBJ (OBJ), and FBX (Filmbox) (currently in beta) are supported. We are working on adding more formats to the supported list. Let us know what you need.
We intend to enable more 3D model formats once the core 3D model import and rendering features are complete.
Anywhere you can find them! Adobe Stock is a great place to start.
You can export the files in OBJ format from the Asset Export panel in Illustrator. These can be imported directly into After Effects or use Substance to apply materials first.
Currently, only JPEG and PNG format images are supported for textures. Texture files in other formats will be ignored.
After Effects allows you to import 3D model files with embedded animations directly into your composition and select the one you want to include. These embedded animations can be fully rigged character motions or other complex movements.
Substance Sampler allows you to create environment light sources that can be imported into After Effects. However, the ability to import materials generated by the Substance family of products is planned for future updates.
In the current build, all layers will be lit by all lights in the scene. Shadows are implemented only for Environment Lights.
Adding a light turns off the default IBL (HDRI) included in a scene. You can now add your own Environment Light, either in a default state or targeting another source. Additionally, adding an Ambient Light will result in a flat rendering appearance.
We haven’t yet figured out what it means to apply a 2D effect directly to a 3D model. For now, you can use a 3D model layer as the input for effects that reference layers using effects such as CC Composite and Calculations.
Depth of Field and Motion Blur effects can be added to a precomposed 3D scene. However, in-camera depth of field and motion blur features will be available in the future.
Internal rigging, bones, or joints of 3D models are not accessible in After Effects. However, you can use parenting and expressions to connect and control 3D objects within After Effects. Additionally, you can import 3D model files with embedded animations and incorporate those animations into your composition.
This isn't currently on our roadmap but could be added in the future.
Existing scripting and expression APIs work with 3D model layers and environment lights. Currently, you can script and use expressions with 3D model layers, including controlling 3D properties such as position, rotation, scale, and more. You can also script the lightType property of environment lights.
2D plane layers (solids, footage, pre-comps, and so on) can be curved in 3D space. Enable the 3D layer switch for the layer, and then twirl open the layer properties > Geometry Options. Currently, there’s no option or effect to warp layers in 3D.
Not right now. We’re working on workflows for materials inside After Effects Beta.
Material definitions other than Adobe Standard Materials (ASM) won’t render. ASM includes mapping for common PBR material parameters produced by 3D modeling applications. For more information, see the ASM standard specification.
The renderer requires a 32-bpc, HDR format image for image-based lighting. You can use EXR files, and soon, you'll be able to use any arbitrary layer, including animated layers like precomps.
3D primitives aren’t yet supported. You can extrude Shape or Text layers, which can provide a limited number of primitive-like objects (cubes and cylinders). And if you are using text, you have bevel options. You can’t apply materials to these layers, but you can modify various parameters.
Not at this time. Keep watching our After Effects Beta page for updates.
Talk to us
If you want to ask questions and be a part of community discussions around this feature, visit our After Effects Beta Community.
