What It Does
FBX to AE Pro moves 3D data between After Effects and external 3D applications. It handles animated cameras, reference geometry, and null objects in both directions, letting you match-move or integrate 3D elements without manually recreating camera moves or hierarchies.
Key Features
Bidirectional workflow. Import FBX files from 3DS Max or Maya into After Effects, or export After Effects camera data back to those applications. Both directions preserve animation and parent-child relationships.
Camera import. Brings in standard free and target cameras with their full animation. Creates a new composition sized and timed to match the original render settings. Physical cameras aren’t supported.
Geometry as reference layers. Four-vertex planes become solid layers with matching dimensions. Complex meshes import as null layers, maintaining position and animation data for alignment work.
Parent-child hierarchies. Linkages between objects transfer across applications, though Maya hierarchies have known issues that may require manual correction.
Export for match-moving. Send After Effects cameras, 3D solids (as four-vertex planes), and null layers back to 3DS Max or Maya. Useful for sharing tracked cameras or creating reference geometry for 3D artists.
Timeline flexibility. Handles compositions with custom timecode IN/OUT points, including negative values.
Who It’s For
Match-move artists and compositors who need to transfer camera tracks between After Effects and 3D packages. Also useful for motion designers working with pre-rendered 3D elements who need accurate camera alignment without rebuilding setups by hand.
Works best if you’re already familiar with FBX export settings in your 3D application (particularly baking animations with “Resample All” enabled).
Pricing
Single purchase at $29.99. Floating server licenses available for multi-seat studios. Upgrade pricing exists for users of older versions. Trial version available for testing.
Tested with 3DS Max 2012-2019 and Maya 2016+. Supports After Effects CC 2014 through CC 2022 on Windows and macOS.