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JoaoMorgado
Participant
September 28, 2022
Open for Voting

3D Workspace

  • September 28, 2022
  • 31 replies
  • 1314 views

It would be great to have a real 3D workspace in After Effects with possibility to import 3D models. Here's a couple of features we could have:

-Possibility to import 3D models (this used to be possible through a clunky and slow photoshop workflow)
-PBR Shaders with inputs for textures
-Default generation of UVs (Cube map, Sphere map, etc) for models without UVs
-Possibility to project textures from a camera or a special projector object
-Simple deformers for 3D models (Bend, Twist, Displace, etc...)
-Possibility of extruding shape and text layers
-Simple Open GL render engine
-Raytraced Render Engine
-Possibility to use 3rd party renderers

In node based compositors that do have a 3D workspace usually the 3D work needs to go through a render node so that it can then be composited back with the normal 2D nodes. This could be accomplished with a new type of comp called 3D Comp which would contain all the 3D models cameras, lights, etc… and render out a flat file.

I know some of these features can be accomplished through Cinema 4D, but the chinaware workflow is clunky and slow, also it requires an external software.

    31 replies

    Inspiring
    September 28, 2022
    In my opinion I think that is no the best idea for that thing. Because the 3D discipline is not the discipline of After Effects, such as sound editing into After Effects (it has some sound effects, but thats it) I think the best thing Adobe and Maxon could do is improving the dynamic link between Cinema 4D and After Effects to a higher level, such as between the other Adobe video apps (more or less in real time).
    Participant
    September 28, 2022
    Yes! Yes! Yes! Gold for compositing artists.
    Participant
    September 28, 2022
    Hi,
    One major issue I have with After Effects is getting Photoshop 3D/Materials into after effects and being able to manipulate inside AE on 3D Plane. How comes we haven't got this functionality yet. Users have been asking about this for years. I have been asking about this for about 3 years. I know there is Cinema 4D which deals with 3D Layers but I just don't understand how you own 3D functionality doesn't work between apps but you have an outside companies 3D Applications work on there but not your own products. That one I will leave up to you guys to work out, if you can come up with a solution Please, Please 🙂
    Participating Frequently
    September 28, 2022
    Here's what I want to do:
    1) Import a static mesh (say, a textured .obj)
    2) parent it to any of the other things I'm doing in AE
    3) animate transforms and so on in AE
    4) render my composition
    5) move on with my life.

    Can't open a Photoshop 3d live file anymore? Okay. Can't open any of the several 3D formats that Photoshop can export, and must do all transforms and animations in C4D Lite? Definitely NOT okay.

    There have been several times in the past when a bad solution has been branded as a "feature," but the current requirement of exporting/importing to c4d, and the inability to transform and animate meshes in AE, is simply not acceptable to any sane work flow.
    Sterphy
    Known Participant
    September 28, 2022
    This would be super helpful.

    Element 3d has its uses, but it's not that great.
    Participating Frequently
    September 28, 2022
    There still is a need for layer based stuff, I use it daily. but if AE could do both intricate nodes AND layers would it would be one of a kind and unstoppable. Or at least would solve a lot of my problems. I don't think there's a need to ditch layers entirely, just add some new non-linear options.
    Inspiring
    September 28, 2022
    a node based workflow would be a major departure from AE previous workflow and while it might be a boon for special effects users, it would negatively impact many motion graphic artist. It might be worth if it was a stand-alone app or module to access from inside AE. But to wholesale throw out the time-line in favor of nodes, would be a deal killer for me (and I suspect many users).
    Inspiring
    September 28, 2022
    YES; PLESAE, it would be a revolutionary update.
    Inspiring
    September 28, 2022
    I'm really fond of Adobe Products. But It is kinda disappointing when It comes to comparing it with other VFX and Compositing Applications. Even free versions of applications like Black Magic DaVinci Resolve or Fusion have all the features that an artist would desire and they're gaining popularity by leaps and bounds.

    So, there's dire need of some serious upgrade that actually deserves the title "Major Update".

    We want a real 3D Workspace as well as the capability to choose between layer-based or node-based workflow.

    It will surely give Adobe an edge over its competitors making it the first choice of all types of artists as it's also tightly integrated with its other Apps i.e., Photoshop and Illustrator.

    Adobe must seriously implement such features that would not only make us proud being a part of Adobe Family but also realize that it is worth the subscription model.

    Looking forward to experiencing these
    mrBeep
    Known Participant
    September 28, 2022
    I totally agree. It's such a pain in the ... to work in 3d in AE. Guys wake up it's 2018!