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2100_Productions
Participant
December 15, 2016
Answered

Layer order changing during render...

  • December 15, 2016
  • 3 replies
  • 1108 views

During the RAM preview and on the composition, everything looks fine.

When I render my project, there are layers that suddenly change order, putting the one on bottom over others.

This isn't all layers all the time, just a few, and I can't find any pattern. There are no opacity or position changes on these layers. They're 3D, but the Z position doesn't move.

Nothing I do seems to pinpoint the problem, since the composition preview (even at full) doesn't show it. I've changed some render settings to no avail.

Anyone run into this before?

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer Mylenium

    which I guess tricked After Effects into rendering in the correct order.

    It doesn't "trick" anything. The render order just is this way - layer styles are always applied last, including after any motion blur and other stuff. You have to plan for this contingency.

    Mylenium

    3 replies

    Dave_LaRonde
    Dave_LaRonde
    Inspiring
    December 15, 2016

    Oh, you're talking about the completed animation.  I thought you were talking about the layers in the actual comp.  Never mind.

    Roei Tzoref
    Roei Tzoref
    Legend
    December 15, 2016

    Anyone run into this before?

    yes. it's and old Gotcha in After effects. you will probably see this happening in the preview if you turn the master switch for motion blur. your layers are at the same plane but sometimes, and especially as a result of the motion blur, there could be a situation where one will obscure the other back and forth (because they are in the same Z position and sometimes Ae does not know which should be first... not a detailed explanation but that's it).

    the solution is set the offending 3d layer a touch closer in Z position. alternatively you could use a trick to disable 3d intersection between these two layers by adding a layer style like drop shadow, and removing the video switch from the actual layer style, leaving only one for "Layer styles".

    2
    2100_ProductionsAuthor
    Participant
    December 15, 2016

    The Drop Shadow trick didn't work for me...the 3D manipulation did for one, but not the other. Was able to solve the problem by putting together some precomps, which I guess tricked After Effects into rendering in the correct order. Thanks!

    Mylenium
    MyleniumCorrect answer
    Legend
    December 16, 2016

    which I guess tricked After Effects into rendering in the correct order.

    It doesn't "trick" anything. The render order just is this way - layer styles are always applied last, including after any motion blur and other stuff. You have to plan for this contingency.

    Mylenium

    Dave_LaRonde
    Dave_LaRonde
    Inspiring
    December 15, 2016

    That's a weird one!  I've never head of that happening.... EVER.  Sadly, we can't help you without a little help:

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