User Guide

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ADOBE AFTER EFFECTS 5.0
User Guide
To adjust rotation by changing the X, Y, or Z Rotation Transform properties:
Hold down Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac OS) as you select the rotation tool ( ) in the
toolbox. The rotation tool looks like when you are adjusting the X, Y, or Z Rotation
property. For information on using the rotation tool, see “Moving a 3D layer in the
Composition window” on page 285.
Understanding 3D layer material options
In the Timeline window, 3D layers have an additional set of properties called Material
Options. These determine how a 3D layer interacts with light and shadow, both of which
are important components of realism and perspective in 3D animation.
Layer material options
In the timeline, when you expand a 3D layer and then expand the Material Options for
that layer, the following properties appear:
Casts Shadows Used to cast a shadow on layers within the range of that shadow. The
direction and angle of the shadows is determined by the direction and angle of the light
sources.
Accepts Shadows Used to show the shadow cast on a layer by another layer.
Accepts Lights Lets the layer be illuminated by any light that reaches it.
Ambient Sets the level of ambient (nondirectional) reflectivity of the layer. A setting of
100% creates the most reflectivity; a setting of 0% means that the layer does not exhibit
any ambient reflective properties.
Diffuse Sets the level of diffuse (omnidirectional) reflectivity of the layer. Applying diffuse
reflectivity to a layer is like draping a dull, plastic sheet over it. Light that falls on this sheet
reflects equally in all directions. A setting of 100% creates the most reflectivity; a setting of
0% means that the layer does not exhibit any diffuse reflective properties.
UG.book Page 289 Wednesday, February 21, 2001 12:05 PM