What It Does
3D Extruder builds convincing 3D extrusions by stacking 2.5D layers in After Effects. Unlike true 3D plugins, this script uses native AE precomp structures, meaning your extrusions live in the same 3D space as your other layers, cameras, and lights. Move a camera, and the shading and reflections respond appropriately. Rotate your extrusion, and the specular highlights adjust in real time.
The script works with text, shapes, or any 2D layer you want to push into 3D space. Because it uses standard precomps, you can open the structure and tweak it like any other After Effects composition.
Key Features
Edit mode simplifies the layer structure temporarily so you can scrub the timeline in real time without rendering thousands of layers. Combined with draft 3D, this keeps animation fluid even with complex extrusions.
Dynamic lighting and reflection. The script creates controller lights and reflectors that respond to camera movement. Move the light, and the shading updates. Rotate the extrude, and the reflection shifts. The result looks more advanced than typical layer stacking.
Preset system includes 10 built-in presets to get you started. You can also save your own presets and load them via the Current to UI tool. The Duplicate function lets you create multiple extrusions or copy them across comps.
Center Reflection automatically aligns the camera, reflector, and extrude, saving time on manual positioning. Fix Expressions repairs broken links if something goes wrong in the underlying expression setup.
Who It’s For
Motion designers who need 3D text or shape extrusions without leaving After Effects. Useful for title animations, logo reveals, or any project where you want dimensional type integrated into your native AE workspace. Because it uses precomps, it works alongside other 2.5D or true 3D workflows without compatibility issues.
Pricing
3D Extruder uses pay-what-you-want pricing with a suggested price of $10. You decide what it’s worth to you. Compatible with After Effects CS6 and later, including 2021. A trial version is available to test before you pay.