User Guide

CHAPTER 9
284
3D Compositing
In most 3D programs, lights of varying intensities and positions are combined with
images and views. All of them can be animated in 3D space. Colors and surfaces change
realistically as the objects move through the lights, often creating dramatic and complex
animations that can effectively simulate actual motion and perspective.
Understanding 3D compositing in After Effects
After Effects 3D layers are two-dimensional rectangles that can be moved in three dimen-
sions. When they are first created they are placed at 0 on the Z axis.
Any layer, except an adjustment layer, can be a 3D layer. You can also create and animate
camera and light layers to respectively view or illuminate images from any angle. Though
you can import composited files with 3D information into After Effects, you cannot
manipulate the objects of those files nor can you create models within the program.
Working with 3D layers
Designating a layer as 3D activates the additional layer properties associated with manip-
ulating and modifying that layer in a 3D environment: Z-position for the layer and anchor
point, X- and Y- rotation, orientation, and the layer material options. The layer material
options determine how the layer interacts with light. For more information on these
options, see “Understanding 3D layer material options” on page 289. A layer is 3D layer if
a cube icon ( ) shows in the 3D layer column in the Timeline window.
To designate a layer as 3D:
Do one of the following:
• In the Timeline window, locate the layer you want to designate as 3D and click the 3D
layer switch for that layer.
3D layer switch.
UG.book Page 284 Wednesday, February 21, 2001 12:05 PM