From the course: After Effects: Working with 3D Models

Importing 3D models into After Effects

From the course: After Effects: Working with 3D Models

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Importing 3D models into After Effects

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- [Instructor] In this chapter, we'll build a simple project to explore all the fundamental tools After Effects offers when working with 3D models, extruded text, lights, cameras, and render settings. By the end of this chapter, you'll have a solid understanding of how to make the most out of the unified 3D space, seamlessly blend 2D and 3D layers, and use image-based lighting to create a unique natural atmosphere for every element in your scene. We'll start from scratch by creating a new composition using the Social Media Landscape HD preset, which is 1920 by 1080, 30 frames per second. I'll name it Rind 01 after the famous wood engraving by one of my favorite artists, MC Escher. You'll see why as we move forward. I'll also set the duration to five seconds, and then click OK. Next, I'll double-click in an empty area of the project panel to open the Import dialogue. From the exercise files, I'll navigate to the Footage folder and select the buste_sapho.glb model and import it. This is a free model from Sketchfab created by f.bulcourt. And if you are familiar with Escher's art, you'll understand the connection shortly. Now, I'll drag the model into the timeline. And when I see the model settings dialogue appears, I'll choose Make Comp Size, and then scale it slightly up to 0.5. And finally, I'll click OK. Now I'll use the 3D transformation gizmo to position the model lower in the frame. And also rotate it 180 degrees on its z-axis so it will face the camera. Since this is a GLB model, all the materials are already embedded inside. However, as you can see, it currently looks pretty dull and flat, some gray marble that doesn't stand out. But don't worry, we'll make it shine with a few lighting tricks later down the line. For now, let's add some contrast to the background by creating a new solid layer. You can do it by going to the Layer menu, and then choose New, Solid. I'll name this layer BG for background and set both width and height to 2,000 pixels. For the color, I'll enter the following values. For the hue, 220 degrees. Saturation is going to be 30%. And the brightness is also going to be 30%. Next, I'll click OK to create the layer, and I'll drag it below the 3D model in the timeline. And that's it for this step. You successfully imported a 3D model into After Effects. What used to be a complex task requiring third-party plugins is now integrated natively. But this is just the beginning. There is so much more that we can do to bring this scene to life. So let's move on and see what else we can do.

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