Advice for 3D modeling beginners

Question

Howdy, I'm experienced in video editing but am an After Effects virgin. I was told that the 3D modeling aspect of After Effects is still pretty new. So I am unsure if my current issue is just me being new or the new software being jank.

I was working on an animation in After Effects today using 3D models (Object files) and got everything imported and added to a composition, but nothing was viewable? I was able to select the objects I added and manipulate them but couldn't actually see them. I added a colored background, transparent background, etc to see if it was hiding under something. I get the usual rotation and manipulation X Y Z axis for the object itself, but no visual? See screenshot included. Is there a box I didn't tick or something? I am new to AE so still not sure what everything is or does.

Dan OB · Accepted Answer

Answer provided by Airweb_AEhttps://community.adobe.com/t5/after-effects-discussions/3d-models/m-p/14980753

orbe__3D · Answer

It sounds like you're dealing with a common issue when working with 3D models (.obj files) in After Effects. Here are a few things to check:

1. Ensure You’re Using the Right Renderer

Go to Composition Settings (Ctrl+K or Cmd+K on Mac) > 3D Renderer and check which renderer is active.

If it's set to Classic 3D, change it to Cinema 4D because Classic 3D doesn’t support 3D models.
If it’s already on Cinema 4D, try switching to Draft 3D in the Composition panel to see if it appears.

2. Check the Camera & View Options

If you're using a custom camera, ensure it's not positioned too far away or facing the wrong direction.
Try switching to Active Camera or different views (Top, Side, Front) in the Composition panel to locate your model.

3. Verify the Model’s Scale & Position

The imported object may be too small or too large to be visible. Try scaling it up or down.
Select the object and reset its position and scale (Transform > Reset or manually adjust in the Timeline).

4. Check Material & Visibility Settings

Make sure your 3D object layer is not set to 'Solo' (a tiny circle in the Timeline panel).
Go to Scene Settings and ensure the materials are not set to fully transparent or turned off.

5. Enable 'Draft 3D' & Refresh Your Viewport

Click on the Draft 3D button (cube icon in the Composition panel) to see if it renders in a simpler mode.
If all else fails, try purging the cache (Edit > Purge > All Memory & Disk Cache).

1. Ensure You’re Using the Right Renderer

2. Check the Camera & View Options

3. Verify the Model’s Scale & Position

4. Check Material & Visibility Settings

5. Enable 'Draft 3D' & Refresh Your Viewport

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