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JDtheCat3D
JDtheCat3D
Participant
Feb 6, 2026 9:05 PM UTC
Question

Use a Video or comp as a Material for 3D objects

Is there a way to use a video or another comp as a material on a 3D model/object?

Kind of obvious but I’m trying to add a video to a 3D phone screen. I added the video to my scene/comp, and I can see the 3D phone material, but cant find a way to select the video as a material. 

I think I can fake it and make a 9x16 comp and make it 3D and have it aligned right on top of the screen. I know good ol Element 3D can do it, but I’m really hoping that the new native 3D tools in AE can pull it off.

If anyone can help lmk, THANKS!

 

      2 replies

      ShiveringCactus
      Community Expert
      ShiveringCactusCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      Feb 8, 2026 4:46 PM UTC

      I made a video a while back showing how to edit a model to re texture it so that you can use it as a 3d luma matte.  There’s no way currently to do it natively though.

       

      Animate 3D Materials in After Effects
      https://youtu.be/DQq1Nm_CS58

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        JDtheCat3D
        JDtheCat3DAuthor
        Participant
        Feb 9, 2026 7:58 PM UTC

        Thanks Cactus. I figured out this work around before coming to the forums. But I was hoping their was an even more native way to achieve the effect - a la “Element 3D” method that was achieved back in 2012+, where you can apply a video or comp as a material/custom texture map. 

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