3D element Animation path

[inquestflash]

Hi Forum.

I'm trying to animate a path along with 3D element shape. ( star)

first thing I did was draw out the star shape, copy/paste mask path into null object. and linked the particular position ( ALT + click postion)path to my null object so that works perfect, follows the shape of the path.

So then I made the star shape  3D element shape, and as you can see in the animation video,  it flies into position on the centre of the screen.

But I cannot figure out what positions to link to element 3D so the star path animates along with the star which is rotating and lands in position of the screen.

Star Animation 02 HBRK - Streamable

thank you.

[Rick Gerard]

I am a little confused. Are you using Element 3D?

Here's how I would set up the project using a shape layer for the star.

1. Create a shape layer star
2. Press the U key twice so I can zero out the Transform PolyStar properties to get the anchor point of the shape layer in the center of the star
3. Set the size and the number of points
4. Convert the Polystar shape to a bezier path set then cut a path keyframe
5. Set the star layer to 3D
6. Add a spotlight and name it Emitter
7. Press Alt/Option + p to set a position keyframe for the light named Emitter
8. Set the light to auto-orient to path then rotate 180º in X if necessary
9. Paste to convert the bezier path to a motion path for the light
10. Add a Null and name it emitter (at the comp center)
11. Set the null layer to 3D
12. Parent the light and the Star to the Null
13. Set Y rotation keyframes for the null
14. Add Particular to a solid layer
15. Set the emitter to Lights
16. Fine tune the settings for Particular, the timing of the motion path for the Emitter (spotlight) layer and the rotation
17. Add a camera if needed

The comp should take about 5 minutes or less to set up and would look something like this:

If you are using Element 3D the workflow is a little more complicated but you still would be rotating the emitter path by parenting to an animated null at the center of rotation.

[imeilfx]

That is right. Only thing to remember when working with Element 3D: don't animate element 3D object but create object null and animate that null and to that null parrent emmiter null.

[Mo Moolla]

"But I cannot figure out what positions to link to element 3D so the star path animates along with the star which is rotating and lands in position of the screen."

Once you have the scene set up and the Element 3D layer has been created go to the effect controls for E3D and look for "Create Null". This will create a null for you from which you can control all basic movement. You can then pick whip or option click or write the expression manually  for whatever you need. That null becomes the master control. I usually name is MC1 for E3D layer 1 and MC2, MC3 etc if there are several E3D layers or if I am working using groups in E3D.

Mo

[inquestflash]

Thanks for your replies.

Yes, I am trying to achieve this using Element 3D (videoco pilot plugin)

So I spent sometime on this matter, and achieved a solid understanding using Ricks instructions ( Although more than 5 minutes I must admit), so here below is the result, using 2D shape path:

Circle practice adobe HB 01 - Streamable https://streamable.com/zklc7

But then since I'm trying to achieve it using 3D element, I cannot understand what is going on with the particles. I tried pick whipping almost every position to get the desired result. But the particles are not like in the above sample video, they seem to be orbiting the 3D circle. I found in element 3D the create null object in the world transform preference but cannot figure out how to go on from here.

element-3D-circle-rotation HB 01 - Streamable