What It Does
Fractal Noise 3D generates three-dimensional noise that integrates directly with After Effects’ native 3D environment. The noise responds to camera movements and lighting changes in real time, making it useful for compositing effects into 3D scenes or creating atmospheric elements that match your camera work.
The plugin handles depth correctly. You can use depth maps from 3D renders to control how the noise interacts with other elements in Z-space, so fog or particle-like textures appear to wrap around objects properly.
Key Features
Five geometry modes determine how the noise deforms in 3D space. Uniform creates even displacement across the surface. Horizontal stretches the noise along the X-axis. Spherical wraps it around a sphere shape. Marble and Wood (added in version 1.5) create organic patterns that mimic natural materials.
Obstacle 3D layers let you designate an After Effects 3D layer as a physical barrier. The noise will interact with this layer as if it were a solid object. Version 1.5 added light transmission through obstacle layers, so light can pass through the barrier with adjustable opacity.
Depth map compositing uses grayscale information to position the noise correctly in 3D space relative to imported renders or other 3D elements. This is critical for matching CG elements.
Camera and light integration means the effect responds to After Effects comp cameras and lights without extra setup. Move your camera, the noise perspective changes. Adjust lighting, the noise shading updates.
Who It’s For
Useful for VFX compositors working with 3D renders who need atmospheric effects like fog, smoke, or volumetric elements that match camera moves and lighting. Also valuable for motion designers creating abstract 3D environments without leaving After Effects.
The depth map feature specifically targets artists integrating After Effects with 3D software, where maintaining spatial relationships between elements is critical.
Pricing
Fractal Noise 3D costs $79.99 for a single-user license. Upgrade pricing is available for users of previous versions, though you need to log in to see the discounted rate. A free trial is available and strongly recommended, as this is an OpenGL 2.0 plugin that requires GPU compatibility testing before purchase. The plugin is not compatible with Apple Silicon chips.