3d text in after effects?
by geuisteses
on
May 18, 2007 at 1:05:36 pm
Hi, this is my first post and I'm *really* new to after effects.
I want to have 3d extruded text that I can fly the camera around. I know how to make the text layer in AE, and how to rotate the camera around it, but the text is flat.
My understanding from limited searches is that I would need a 3rd party plugin for AE to create the 3d text, or I can create the text in Maya and import it.
Would appreciate advice on the best options I should pursue. Thanks.
Re: 3d text in after effects? by sebastien on May 18, 2007 at 3:11:40 pm
To mimic a reel 3D, you have to use "Invigorator LE".
This free plugin (on AE'CD) can manage the *.obj files from Maya or extrude a path (form Illustrator for example).
2) Quick and Dirty. Not that dirty really, you just don't want to linger with the camera "side-on" the text, as AE text has no real z depth. For a quickie that looks fine unless you linger side on, just add this expression to a text layer (make it 3D):
position+[0,0,(index-1)*1]
Now duplicate the layer as many times as you want it to be thick (the expression tells the layer to be offset 1 pixel in the z direction for each layer it's down in the layer stack). If you want to move the letters as a unit, parent all to the first text layer, then rotate/move it, or precompose the text layers.
You can change the color of the front by changing the Color of the text in the Character Palette ( and the back too) You can even bevel the front and back with Perspective>Bevel Alpha (quite nice, really)
Note: You may get a warning for certain plugins to use AE's Advance 3D Rendering, so go Composition>Comp Settings>Advanced>Render Plug-in: Advanced 3D.
The same principal is used in this tut, without the expression (he uses a 3 pixel separation), but with nice use of precomposing to make changing the text easy, and a control null to animate the text enmass:
Make your text, duplicate it, add a Black Solid, arrange as below:
Text
Text
Black Solid
Now Select and precompose the bottom two layers (move all attributes), this precomp will be as a custom Shatter map.
Add Effect>SimulateView: Rendered
Render: Pieces
Shape>Pattern: Custom
Custom Shatter Map: Precomp
Extrusion Map: This controls how deep the letters are
Textures... You can control the Front, Side and Back Modes with precomped layer (a red solid precomped choose, Side Mode:Layer, Side Layer Red Solid Precomp.
Camera System: Comp Camera
Add a Camera to the Comp, Layer>New Camera (C toggles the Camera Orbit Tool).
Re: 3d text in after effects? by bogiesan on May 18, 2007 at 3:15:45 pm
Welcome to the family.
You can use SHATTER to create extruded text but the results are crude and the procedure is complicated.
AE is not a 3d environment, it has 3d capabilities. You must use third party resources to achieve superb 3d text within AE or use a 3d application and import the movies. There are ways to import 3d data from some 3d apps. That stuff scares me do I don't bother.
bogiesan
This is my standard sigfile so do not take it personally: "For crying out loud, read the freakin' manual."
Re: 3d text in after effects? by jimmybee500 on May 22, 2007 at 11:20:31 am
I find it baffling that you still can't add a solid drop (a fake directional extrusion) in Photoshop. Paintbox Express could do that 15 years ago!
I know you can use Illustrator's extruder filter but it is very clumsy and obviously not true 3D, but why not add that to PS or something a little simpler? AE does have ways round it like mentioned, but Zaxwerks is so cheap and brilliant for that. your best bet.
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