What It Does
HeliumX brings GPU-accelerated 3D rendering directly into After Effects. Import OBJ models, extrude animated text, build terrain from height maps, and render volumetric smoke from VDB files without leaving your timeline. The plugin includes a free version (HeliumX Lite) and a subscription-based full version.
Key Features
Model rendering. Import and render 3D models with control over individual OBJ groups. The Path Cloner lets you duplicate models along 2D or 3D splines.
Extrude. Turn text layers and shape paths into extruded 3D objects. Apply materials from the built-in library or create custom surfaces.
Cloners. Distribute copies of 3D objects in grid, circular, or procedural patterns. Each clone’s transform can be controlled individually or as a group.
Volume. Render VDB smoke and fire simulations. Works with third-party volume files or procedural generators.
Terrain. Generate 3D terrain surfaces from grayscale height maps. Useful for landscape shots or abstract backgrounds.
Abstract. Build organic shapes using procedural noise algorithms. Morph and animate these forms using keyframes or expressions.
Helium Comp. Pre-compose entire 3D scenes into a single layer. Nest multiple Helium setups without cluttering your main comp.
Scroll effect. Simulate 3D page-turning animations. Adjustable depth, rotation, and page geometry.
Material library. Hundreds of presets covering metals, glass, concrete, and stylized surfaces. Each material is editable via standard parameters.
Splines. Convert masks or light layers into 3D spline paths. Animate thickness, color, and curvature.
Wireframe rendering. Display only the edges and vertices of 3D objects. Good for technical diagrams or low-poly aesthetics.
Volumetric lights. Create god rays and atmospheric lighting that interact with the rest of your 3D scene. Adjustable density, color, and falloff.
Mirror. Add planar reflections to any surface in your scene. Works with all Helium objects.
Who It’s For
HeliumX fits motion designers who need 3D tools inside After Effects but don’t want to switch between Cinema 4D or Blender. The free Lite version covers basic model rendering, text extrusion, and primitive shapes. The full subscription adds cloners, volumetrics, terrain, and advanced effects.
Use it for title sequences, product visualizations, data animations, or abstract backgrounds. The Path Cloner is particularly good for logo reveals or trailing effects along motion paths.
Pricing
HeliumX Lite is free and includes 3D Models, Extrude, Primitives, and Scroll effects. Download it from the product page.
The full HeliumX version costs $60 per year (subscription only, no perpetual license). First-year discounts sometimes apply. Subscriptions auto-renew at the standard price. Cancel anytime, but no refunds for unused time after cancellation. Educational pricing available.
System requirements: macOS 10.14+, Windows 10+, After Effects 2020+, OpenGL 3.3+.