Extruding 3D Text & Shapes 1: The Duplication Method

Andrew Devis

©2011 CreativeCOW.net. All rights reserved.

Extruding 3D text and shapes can be done in a number of different ways in After Effects using either native tools or 3rd party plug-ins. In this first tutorial, Andrew Devis shows how to use the duplication method which uses numerous layers of the same item to create the illusion of depth. Andrew shows the simple expression to use to make the job quick and easy as well as showing how to change the source layer to animate shapes.

Comments

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Re: Extruding 3D Text & Shapes 1: The Duplication Method
by Andrew Devis

The best option of all is to use Zaxwerks proanimator however that costs quite a bit of money. But if you want to do lots of 3D in AE it may be worth the investment. You could always contact them and see if they can give it to you at a students
price? http://www.Zaxwerks.com

Andrew

... because it's all about stories ...

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Re: Extruding 3D Text & Shapes 1: The Duplication Method
by Camille Katz

If i could like your videos more than once i'd do it 20 times in a row. :D

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@Camille Katz
by Andrew Devis

Hi Camille

Sorry I've not replied earlier, I've been away doing some training!

I'm really pleased that you continue to find the AE tutorials helpful.

Just so you know, in CS6 - if you have a good machine - you can actually do true 3D extrusion of text etc. However, it is really slow and will take a long time to render if your machine isn't very powerful. These extrusion methods are the best for fast results and the duplication method is probably my fav followed by the shatter method. The other photoshop method I show is now longer an effect in CS6 so you can't do that.

If you get good at this technique, it will set your work apart very fast so is worth working on.

All the best
Andrew

... because it's all about stories ...

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@Andrew Devi
by Camille Katz

Hi Andrew,

I had a fun time today playing around with the shatter method and it was really cool!
I have a very strong computer so how would I do a true 3D extrusion? Is it an effect I apply? I tried all the effects under 3D channel but nothing happened.

Thanks,
Camille

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@Camille Katz
by Andrew Devis

well, you need to create some text and make it a 3D layer. Then click in the little button at the top right of the composition panel that says 'classic 3D' then change the option to 'Ray-Traced 3D'.

Then, open the text layer in the timeline and you will see 'Geometry Options' which give you extrusion Depth bevel styles etc. Start there and see how long it takes to render!!

Enjoy
Andrew

... because it's all about stories ...

•

@Andrew Devi
by Camille Katz

I see what you mean. It does get annoying to have to wait 10 seconds every time to see a lighter or darker change or bevel.
your method you showed is really best!

Camille

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Re: Extruding 3D Text & Shapes 1: The Duplication Method
by Camille Katz

This is really great!! THANKS!

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Re: Extruding 3D Text & Shapes 1: The Duplication Method
by Andrew Devis

Hi Akmal

Thanks for the comment, plenty more tutorials on the COW which I hope you will continue to find helpful. I'm really pleased you find my style helpful :o)

Andrew

... because it's all about stories ...

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Re: Extruding 3D Text & Shapes 1: The Duplication Method
by Akmal Salihoff

Great Tutorial! I like your narration style!

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Re: Extruding 3D Text & Shapes 1: The Duplication Method
by Rona Sharon

Many thanks. I always enjoy your tutorials.

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