How to Extrude AI Image in After Effects Element 3D
After Effects Element 3D is a powerful plugin that allows you to create stunning 3D graphics and animation within the After Effects software. One of the capabilities of Element 3D is the ability to extrude AI (Adobe Illustrator) images, which can add depth and dimension to your designs. In this article, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of extruding an AI image in After Effects using Element 3D.
Step 1: Prepare your Adobe Illustrator file
Before you begin, you’ll need to create or open an Adobe Illustrator file that contains the image you want to extrude. Make sure the image is in vector format, as Element 3D works best with vector graphics. You can create your design or import an existing one into Illustrator.
Step 2: Save the Illustrator file
Once you have your design in Illustrator, save the file in a location that is easily accessible from After Effects. You’ll need to import this file into After Effects later on, so it’s essential to know where it is saved on your computer.
Step 3: Open After Effects and create a new composition
Launch After Effects and create a new composition by clicking on “Composition” in the menu bar and then selecting “New Composition.” Set the desired composition settings, such as width, height, and duration, and then click “OK.”
Step 4: Import the Illustrator file into After Effects
With the new composition open, go to the “File” menu and select “Import” > “File.” Locate the Illustrator file you saved earlier and import it into After Effects. Once imported, the AI file will appear in the Project panel.
Step 5: Create a new solid layer
To use Element 3D, you need to create a new solid layer in your composition. To do this, go to the “Layer” menu, select “New,” and then choose “Solid.” Set the solid layer’s size and color as per your preference and click “OK.”
Step 6: Apply Element 3D to the solid layer
Select the solid layer in the timeline, then go to the “Effect” menu, navigate to “Video Copilot” and select “Element.” This will apply the Element 3D plugin to the solid layer.
Step 7: Choose the AI image as the custom texture
In the Element 3D effect controls panel, you’ll find a section labeled “Custom Layers.” Click on the “Custom Texture” dropdown menu and select “Layer,” then choose the AI image layer from the Project panel.
Step 8: Adjust the extrusion settings
Once the AI image is selected as the custom texture, you can begin to adjust the extrusion settings to give your design depth and dimension. In the Element 3D effect controls panel, you can modify parameters such as “Extrude Depth,” “Bevel Depth,” and “Bevel Size” to achieve the desired 3D effect.
Step 9: Preview and refine the design
After adjusting the extrusion settings, you can preview the 3D effect by scrubbing through the timeline or rendering a preview. If necessary, go back and make further adjustments to the extrusion settings until you are satisfied with the result.
Step 10: Add lighting and textures (optional)
To enhance the 3D look of your extruded AI image, you can apply lighting and textures using the options available within the Element 3D plugin. Experiment with different lighting setups and textures to achieve the look you want.
Finally, you can further enhance your composition by animating the extruded AI image, adding camera movements, and incorporating other visual effects to create a visually compelling design.
In conclusion, by following this step-by-step guide, you can successfully extrude an AI image in After Effects using Element 3D, and create stunning 3D designs that will impress your audience. Experiment with different AI images and extrusion settings to unlock the full creative potential of this powerful plugin. With practice and creativity, you can take your 3D design skills to the next level and produce professional-looking graphics and animations.
