What It Does
Element 3D V2 lets you render and animate 3D objects and particles directly inside After Effects without switching to external 3D applications. Import 3D models, extrude text and shapes, apply materials, add lighting and shadows, and composite everything in your timeline.
Key Features
3D Model Import. Works with OBJ and Cinema 4D (R12+) file formats. The plugin automatically imports textures from OBJ files with MTL data or directly from C4D files. You can also import animated OBJ sequences.
Text and Shape Extrusion. Extrude text layers and mask shapes with built-in bevel presets. Animate individual characters and apply multiple bevels per object. A bevel outline mode lets you extrude from shape edges.
Particle Rendering. Use 3D models as particle shapes in a replicator system. The plugin includes parametric primitive objects (spheres, cubes, etc.) with editable segments and sizing that work as both standalone models and particle sources.
Lighting and Shadows. Choose between fast OpenGL shadows or slower but more accurate ray-traced shadows. OpenGL mode supports spot lights and parallel lights with soft shadows up to 8K map resolution. The plugin includes improved SSAO (screen space ambient occlusion) with quality presets. Ray tracing requires an OpenCL-compatible GPU.
Material System. Physically-based materials support HDR, EXR, DDS, JPEG, and PNG textures. After Effects layers work as texture maps at up to 32 bits per channel. Materials include transfer modes (add, screen) for compositing smoke and fire, plus sub-surface scattering for translucent materials like skin or wax.
3D Deformation. Distort models with 3D noise modes, bend and twist controls, or low-poly distortion effects. These combine with material transfer modes for abstract motion graphics.
Dynamic Reflections. Simulate reflections without ray tracing using dynamic spherical maps or planar mirror surfaces. Spherical maps approximate nearby reflections on complex objects. Mirror surfaces work on flat geometry with optional blur.
Wireframe Rendering. Per-material wireframe controls make it useful for UI or HUD graphics. Set wireframe thickness and blending independently for each surface.
The interface uses group folders to organize multiple 3D models, with high-quality preview including reflections. A texture levels control manages detail across all materials.
Who It’s For
Motion designers who need 3D elements in their After Effects projects without learning Cinema 4D or Blender. Also useful for VFX artists doing product visualization, title design, or abstract graphics where full 3D software is overkill.
Pricing
Element 3D V2 uses a pay-what-you-want model. The standard suggested price is $199.95, with a single-user license at $189.95. A license installs on one workstation and one personal laptop. Bundle options with model packs and shader libraries range from $249.95 to $349.95. Volume pricing available for purchases over 5 licenses.
Compatible with After Effects CS5 through CC 2024, including Multi-Frame Rendering support and Apple Silicon (M1) optimization. Requires OpenCL GPU for ray-traced features.