Z-axis transformation plugin

[dkt0]

Is there any way to make a plugin move the pixels on the Z axis without simulating it via scaling? Like true 3D movement.

For example, the simplest effect with 3 parameters "X", "Y" and "Z" which moves the layer left/right ; up/down AND forwards/backwards.

Also, I am curious about this error, which is apparently coming from the Stream Suite (error 6) and I get it because my effect is trying to modify the layer position itself (not the pixels)?? Is that a thing?

[shachar carmi]

there is no "Z" component to the output buffer. it strictly 2D RGBA. depth in AE is only calculated when the "Artisan" comp rendering plugin does the 3D layer transformations.
so no, you can't tell AE that a pixel is deep, or that the buffer is deep except for the layer's transformation properties.
some plugins simpulate 3D behaviour, but they all eventually render out a 2D image for a given perspective.

as for the error, it's when you try to alter the project from the render thread.

[dkt0]

Alright, so we cant make 3D effects at all? Like idk, an effect that flips the layer? I mean there are plenty of effects that do 3D things like Extrude and Element. You can make the layer (pixels) "render" as a 3D element but you cant control the Z axis? Like we can only simulate it? Im tryna understand our limitations. How much can we get into 3D? What can we make? Can we make an effect that flips the layer? Can we make an effect that makes the layer a Cube or a Sphere or anything like that?