Note: This product has been discontinued and is no longer available for purchase.
3D Bevel was a script that added light-reactive bevels to 3D layers in After Effects. It created the illusion that layer edges were illuminated by light sources, making 2.5D layers feel more volumetric.
What It Does
The script analyzed After Effects light sources and applied bevels to layer edges based on the light’s position and the layer’s orientation. As you moved lights or rotated layers, the bevel adjusted in real time. This created the appearance of depth on flat layers without requiring external 3D software.
Key Features
Multi-layer application. Run the script on multiple layers at once, all controlled by a single light source. This kept complex scenes manageable.
Bevel softening. Optional edge blur for subtler effects, useful for organic elements or text that needed gentler shading.
Highlight and shadow control. Display only highlights, only shadows, or both. Show the bevel on the front face, back face, or both sides of a layer.
Color tinting. Adjust the color of bevel highlights and shadows independently, useful for matching lighting schemes or creating stylized looks.
Baked parameters. Transfer script settings to the layer as adjustable properties, allowing tweaks after the script finished running.
Who It’s For
The script suited motion designers working with text animations, logo reveals, or layered compositions where true 3D extrusion felt like overkill. It worked on text layers, shape layers, and imported graphics converted to 3D layers.
Pricing
3D Bevel used a pay-what-you-want pricing model before being discontinued. The developer suggested $29 but allowed users to set their own price.
Compatibility ended at CS6, making it unsuitable for current After Effects versions. Users seeking similar functionality should explore current bevel and lighting tools compatible with modern releases.