3D After Effects Course

Lesson 1 • Understanding Compositions and Layers

Covers composition nesting, layer types, and the timeline structure. Provides the layer management skills required before enabling 3D space.

Lesson 2 • Enabling and Understanding 3D Space

Introduces the 3D layer switch, axes, and coordinate systems in After Effects. Connects 2D layer knowledge to spatial 3D thinking.

Lesson 3 • Renderer Options for 3D Work

Compares the Classic 3D, Cinema 4D, and CINEMA 4D renderers and their capabilities. Choosing the right renderer determines available 3D features throughout the course.

Lesson 1 • Lighting Strategies for 3D Scenes

Applies three-point lighting, rim lighting, and colour temperature to 3D layers. Connects technical light properties to artistic and narrative goals.

Lesson 2 • 3D Light Types and Properties

Explores ambient, point, spot, and parallel lights and their shadow options. Proper lighting defines depth and realism in every 3D scene.

Lesson 3 • Creating and Configuring Cameras

Covers camera types, focal length, depth of field, and film size settings. Camera control is the primary tool for directing viewer attention in 3D space.

Lesson 1 • Animating 3D Text Layers

Uses text animators, range selectors, and keyframes to animate 3D type. Combines spatial movement with per-character animation for dynamic results.

Lesson 2 • Extruding Text in 3D Space

Covers geometry options, extrusion depth, and bevel settings for text layers. Extrusion transforms flat type into volumetric 3D objects.

Lesson 3 • Applying Materials to 3D Text

Teaches reflection, specular, and environment map settings on 3D text surfaces. Material properties define how light interacts with extruded geometry.

Lesson 1 • Building Depth with Layer Stacking

Arranges 2D and 3D layers along the Z-axis to create parallax and depth. Spatial layer placement is the foundation of convincing 3D environments.

Lesson 2 • Shadows and Ambient Occlusion

Configures cast shadows, shadow diffusion, and ambient occlusion for grounded 3D scenes. Shadow and occlusion settings dramatically increase perceived realism.

Lesson 3 • 3D Scene Organisation Best Practices

Covers labeling, guide layers, and composition structure for maintainable 3D projects. Organised scenes reduce errors and speed up iteration in complex builds.

Lesson 4 • Environment and Reflection Layers

Applies environment maps and reflection layers to simulate surroundings on 3D surfaces. Environment layers add realism without complex external rendering.

Lesson 1 • Graph Editor for 3D Motion

Uses the value and speed graph editors to refine easing on 3D position and rotation. Graph editor mastery separates amateur from professional motion work.

Lesson 2 • Keyframe Types and Interpolation

Explains linear, bezier, hold, and roving keyframes and their effect on 3D motion. Interpolation choice determines the feel and quality of every animation.

Lesson 3 • Timing, Rhythm, and Staggering

Applies offset timing, staggered starts, and rhythmic pacing to multi-layer 3D animations. Timing principles transform technically correct motion into compelling animation.

Lesson 1 • Expression-Driven 3D Rigs

Builds reusable 3D rigs using expressions for rotation, orbit, and look-at behaviours. Rigs encapsulate complexity and speed up production on repeat projects.

Lesson 2 • Essential 3D Expression Techniques

Applies wiggle, loopOut, and time expressions to 3D position, rotation, and scale. These core expressions automate the most common 3D animation tasks.

Lesson 3 • Introduction to Expressions

Covers expression syntax, the pickwhip tool, and linking properties across layers. Expressions eliminate repetitive keyframing and create dynamic relationships.

Lesson 1 • Motion Tracking for 3D Integration

Applies 2D tracking and 3D camera tracking to anchor 3D elements to live footage. Tracking data drives 3D layer placement for convincing real-world integration.

Lesson 2 • Render Passes and Multi-Pass Compositing

Breaks 3D renders into diffuse, specular, shadow, and AO passes for flexible compositing. Multi-pass workflows give compositors precise control over every lighting element.

Lesson 3 • Compositing 3D Renders with Live Footage

Integrates pre-rendered 3D passes with live-action footage using blend modes and mattes. Seamless compositing requires matching perspective, lighting, and colour.

Lesson 4 • Importing OBJ and GLTF Models

Covers third-party plugins and workflows for bringing OBJ and GLTF models into After Effects. External geometry expands scene complexity beyond native 3D capabilities.

Lesson 1 • 3D Distortion and Simulation Effects

Applies Shatter, Card Dance, and wave effects to create 3D simulations on layers. Simulation effects produce dynamic 3D motion without external software.

Lesson 2 • Colour Grading 3D Compositions

Applies Lumetri Color, curves, and LUTs to unify the look of 3D and live-action elements. Colour grading is the final step that makes 3D feel cohesive and intentional.

Lesson 3 • Particle Systems in 3D Space

Uses CC Particle World and third-party emitters to generate 3D particle animations. Particles add atmosphere, energy, and complexity to 3D compositions.

Lesson 4 • Rendering and Output for Delivery

Configures render queue settings, codecs, and output modules for broadcast and web delivery. Correct output settings ensure quality is preserved from composition to final file.