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Participant
October 24, 2023
Question

How do I make a 3D coiled ribbon on AE?

  • October 24, 2023
  • 1 reply
  • 692 views

Hi. I just started learning After Effects & co, and I need to make a 3D animation of a protein molecule. Proteins are flat ribbons that are normally in a coil format (see image for reference). Is there an easy way for me to do that without paying for a licence or buying objects pre-made? I do need to manipulate the structure, i.e. untwist the coil etc. I have access to the full Creative Cloud + Blender.

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1 reply

Community Expert
October 25, 2023

Blender is your best modeling tool. You can create the animation in Blender or export the model and use the model in AE Beta or in a 3rd party plugin like Video Copilot's Element 3D. No built-in modeling tools in AE will come close to the design you are looking for.

Participant
October 25, 2023

Thanks. Now I just have to learn how to use Blender haha, I literally downloaded it yesterday.

 

Is there a timeframe for when the current AE Beta will be released? I saw that they're upgrading the 3D capabilities, but I usually prefer waiting for full releases over test versions. I'm not in a major hurry (yet).