3D Projection and Element 3D
by Chris Haley on Jul 30, 2012 at 5:10:40 pm
So, here's the plan. 3D project an object in Blender and then get it into element 3D in After Effects.
The problem is that in Blender when we do this we use the "Sticky" coordinates, which the obj file doesn't seem to carry over.
The work around I did was to UV unwrap - "Project From View" from the same perspective of the camera that I used sticky from, which unwrapped it close enough to where I could stretch the UV around to fit correctly. So this gives a standard UV Map for the OBJ file which imports correctly.
My question is, is this the correct way to do this? Is it possible to convert the Sticky coordinates to a standard UV map in Blender?
I also don't have the texturing looking right in Element yet, but I still haven't done all the Element tutorials so I need to do more research there, but this is going to be an awesome workflow for us Blender AE users.
If anyone has done the 3D projection Blender to Element 3D workflow I'd love to hear your insights.
~Chris
Re: 3D Projection and Element 3D by Chris Haley on Jul 31, 2012 at 4:39:29 pm
Update from the element side.
When you camera project something onto a model a lot of the times you don't want the model to be visible at all, just the image that's mapped onto the object.
In Blender you achieve this by making the objects material alpha 0, and in the texture panel make your camera projected textures influence affect diffuse (1.0) and Alpha (1.0).
When I first brought the object into Element 3D for After Effects I couldn't figure out how to achieve that same effect (The model was visible. Then I found the setting in the Element Object Properties under Advanced there is a setting called Alpha Threshold. Start cranking it up and and it chokes the model based on the images alpha. Wallah! :)
Now I just need to figure out how I can still use the sticky mapping in Blender and for that to carry over into the obj export as a valid UV map.
Re: 3D Projection and Element 3D by rick enbody on Aug 4, 2012 at 3:11:43 pm
Cheers!
I struggle with the same layout with Element using c4d or Blender.
Wishing you the best since there is limited feedback right now on element 3D and Blender. I use a mac so Blender and C4d is it right now.
Unless I shell out the money for a decent pc and Maya. Ouch I have been putting that off since I do enjoy the simplicity of macs.
Seems as Video Copilot could have done more testing with blender. I would like to wish you Great progress.
Re: 3D Projection and Element 3D by Tom Daigon on Nov 3, 2012 at 2:44:48 pm
Andrews mention of Blender refers to the proper settings to correctly export the model (triangulate faces and include normals) , but doesnt mention how best to set up textures so they work in Element. Im new to Bender and haven't found any solutions to this even with lots of research on the web.
Re: 3D Projection and Element 3D by Ron Culbert on Dec 14, 2012 at 3:26:35 am
Add materials to .Obj files in Element 3D exported from Blender
I have also tried to import objects that I have created in Blender, Shetchup, or Sculptris into Element 3D trying to add textures to the objects and they were a dull non textured color based of the texture I choose. I have found that if I add either a .DAE or .OBJ files into Blender, Or just use the default cube when you open Blender all you need to do to export the object for Element is choose File - Export - Wavfront.Obj and save it to your computer. I am using the default export options from Blender - Apply Modifiers, Include Edges, Include UV, Write Materials, Objects as OBJ objects. Next open Element 3D in AE and import the .OBJ file. Once the object file loads you will see the object properties in the Edit box on the lower right of the screen. In the Model Surface & Mapping area you cannot choose UV Mapping. You can choose Box - Preserve Aspect Ratio, Box, Or Sphere depending on the shape of the object being imported. Then just activate Auto normals also in this section and you will be able to add your Element Preset materials and Pro Shaders materials. To adjust the material size on your object play with the UV Repeat options in the same area. I also found that if you do not Select the Include UV option and select the Include Normals option when exporting you do not need to activate Auto Normals in AE. Hope this Helps!
Re: 3D Projection and Element 3D by Tom Daigon on Dec 14, 2012 at 2:34:54 pm
Thanks for the info, Ron.
I have learned a lot since last posting here.
If I want to separate portion of a model to allow the ability to either add a different material or animate itin Element, what I do is...
1. In Blender I highlight polygon faces of area desired then hit P which creates a separate object. Then I assign a new material designation to that object.
2. When I load it into Element I now have a material slot for the main object and another for the one I just separated.
You also have the ability to apply limited animation to that as well.
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