Skip to main content
vsevolodp86344039
vsevolodp86344039
Known Participant
November 9, 2020
Answered

Images from the illustrator jump and float as the camera moves. Collapse Transformation

  • November 9, 2020
  • 2 replies
  • 1499 views

Hello! I created a Facebook page in Illustrator for a movie. When 3D cameras or 2D null objects move, the images just jump and float in different directions.

 

I am using latest CC 2019 builds for stable performance. I also tested this file in earlier versions of CC prior to 2015. And the result is the same. This happens when Collapse Transformation is enabled. And without him, everything is simply dull.

 

I have switched between CPU and CUDA, reset NVIDIA driver settings, but nothing helps. Apparently the problem is in Illustrator. I really hope for your help!

 

This is how it looks. Youtube link: https://youtu.be/VyULSIfAQe0

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Rick Gerard

Thanks, Mr. Rick! Your last method works! I am doing this:

1. I add 2D AI layers to Pre-Comp.
2. Create a 3D camera in the main composition
3. Turning on the 3D layer on the Pre-Comp, right?
4. And only when I turn on Collapse Transformations on Pre-Comp, the layers stop responding to the 3D camera, but maximum clarity appears. And if you turn off Collapse on Pre-Comp, then everything is a little blurry. Can you tell me how to fix this? Inside Pre-Comp, Collapse is also enabled on all AI files. Thanks again!


Are you scaling layers? Are you moving way in on the camera?

 

1.  I would make sure all AI layers are in the right order, make them all 3D, then add this expression to every AI layer in your comp.

 

[value[0], value[1], value[2] + index]

 

2.  Make sure Continuously Rasterize is turned on for all AI layers.

3.  Parent all AI layers to the top AI layer so you can move the group easily.

4.  Add your camera and animate the camera.

 

That workflow will guaranatee that your layers behave. 

 

The other simple option is to import the AI file as footage with merged layers, add the single AI file to the main comp, make it 3D, turn on Continuously Rasterize, then add your camera and animate the camera. 

 

If you need all AI layers on a separate layer and you are pushing way in then create a comp from your AI file, open up the comp settings and increase the size of the comp by 2 or 3 times, scale up all layers so they fill the frame, turn on Continuously Rasterize for all layers, then add this big comp to your standard main comp, add the camera and animate the camera.

2 replies

R
Community Expert
Rick GerardCommunity Expert
Community Expert
November 9, 2020

You have 3D layers representing a flat surface but all three of them are at different Z depth. When the camera moves the perspective between the layers will change. 100% normal behavior. The solution is to place all 3 layers on the same plane with a maximum of a 1-pixel offset, use scale, and X/Y position to line up the layers (which should have been lined up in Illustrator), and then animate the camera position. 

    vsevolodp86344039
    vsevolodp86344039Author
    Known Participant
    November 10, 2020

    Thanks! I answered above this post. I also noticed that everything is fine when I change the position of the camera or the file itself in X and Y. The problem is only with the zoom or zoom of the 3D camera along the Z axis

    R
    Community Expert
    Rick GerardCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    November 10, 2020

    The problem is caused by 3D layers in the same plane. Offset the layers by 1 pixel and the problem goes away. You can move the camera any way you want.

     

    An even easier solution is to leave all the AI layers 2D, pre-compose them, turn on Collapse transformations, then make the pre-comp 3D and animate the camera. This eliminates the interference caused when 3D layers share the same plane.

      Mylenium
      Mylenium
      Legend
      November 9, 2020

      Impossible to tell the exact cause without seeing your timeline and composition, but most of the time it boils down to incorrect anchor point placement and scaling the artwork unnecessarily. You may need to dig again into the source compositions. Also in case of 3D of course make sure there is actual depth separation between the layers. It's probably also fair to say that you are not making things easier by mixing pixel-based content and vectors, though I'm not clear if you already included it in the AI file. You could have soem weird issue with masking or pixel-based effects liek drop shadows then.

       

      Mylenium

        vsevolodp86344039
        vsevolodp86344039Author
        Known Participant
        November 9, 2020

        Thanks for the quick response, Mylenium!
        Here's my timeline. I am using AI files directly. Tried it single. The result is the same. This happens exactly when Collapse Transformations is enabled.

        The 3D layers are also arranged in depth. If that's what you mean.

        And also my text from AI file and native text in AE is blurred when I turn on the 3D layer. Even without a camera and Motion Blur.

         

        Mylenium
        Mylenium
        Legend
        November 9, 2020

        Start by switching your project to 8 bpc or 16 bpc. AI files never are 32 bpc, so you could see bad antialaising and quantization artifacts just from that. Unless you really need this for soem special effects like glow, this only gets in the way. And judging from your position values, your scale cnter/ anchor point appears to be very far outside the comp area, which could also exacerbate any scaling issues simply due to limited precision. otherwise I would simply build a static comp at sufficient resolution and scale that one without CR/ CT. This may ultimately even yield better visual results.

         

        Mylenium

          Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
          Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices