What It Does
FreeForm Pro turns flat After Effects layers into deformable 3D meshes. You can bend, warp, and displace layers in three dimensions, create terrain from elevation data, or transform layers into arrays of 3D primitives like cubes and spheres. Used on projects like the True Detective title sequence, it handles everything from character rigging to water simulation to abstract backgrounds.
Pairs with GEOlayers to generate 3D landscapes from real geographic data (bundle discount available).
Key Features
3D Mesh Warp. Add up to 400 control points to a layer and manipulate each in 3D space with bezier handles. Position and rotate the entire mesh with X, Y, Z controls. Useful for organic character animation, shape morphing, or folding surfaces like flags and curtains.
Displacement Mapping. Drive mesh deformation using grayscale images. A noise texture becomes a mountain range. A gradient creates a curved ramp. Maps can be animated, so you get flowing water, rippling fabric, or evolving terrains. Includes noise controls for procedural displacement without additional geometry.
Primitives. Convert layers into grids of 3D objects: cubes, tetrahedrons, icosahedrons, rods, planes. Scale and rotate each based on luminance values from a height map. Assign animated precomps as textures. Random time sampling and transform randomization let you build abstract fields of geometry.
Dynamic Lighting and Materials. Adjust diffuse, specular, and roughness to mimic surfaces like water or cloth. Separate controls for backside textures (useful for two-sided objects). Reflection mapping (spherical or cubic), fresnel effects, and environment maps add realism.
Advanced Rendering. Choose subdivision density and anti-aliasing level. Lower settings for fast previews, raise them for final output. Render modes include normals, UV, shadows, X-ray, and wireframe. SkyDome support lets you use environment maps as backgrounds with field-of-view and fog controls.
Grid Distribution and Replication. The Generator replicates your 3D object multiple times on a single layer. Control spacing and offset on X, Y, Z axes. Mirror the layer to extend it.
Multi-Frame Rendering. Optimized for After Effects’ multi-frame rendering. Native Apple Silicon support.
Who It’s For
Motion designers working on title sequences, broadcast graphics, or music videos. VFX artists layering 3D deformations into live-action composites. Anyone building abstract backgrounds, terrain flyovers, or particle-like primitive arrays. If you’re already using GEOlayers for data-driven maps, FreeForm Pro extends it into full 3D topography.
Pricing
One-time purchase for $199. Upgrade pricing available for existing users. Bundle with GEOlayers and save 25%.