After Effects: Create 3D parametric meshes

Demo summary
A walkthrough of the new 3D toolbar in After Effects, demonstrating how to create and adjust parametric cubes, spheres, toruses, and cones.
Step-by-step
- Locate the 3D parametric mesh tools in the toolbar next to shape layers
- Select a shape tool such as Cube, Sphere, Plane, Torus, Cone, or Cylinder
- Click and drag in the composition to draw the shape
- Hold Shift while drawing to create a perfect square or uniform shape
- Adjust the shape properties in the side panel to modify mesh, bevel, and slicing options
- Modify the 'Sides' and 'Smoothing Angle' parameters to achieve low-poly or smooth looks
Options
- Turn off Draft 3D for faster rendering of simple meshes
- Increase the top radius on a cone to create a teardrop shape
- Decrease the number of sides to create prisms or pyramids
- Use the Slicing property to create complex geometry like arrow feathers
Watch out for
- The Cone tool only responds to vertical dragging (up or down) during creation, not horizontal
Tips
- Explore the non-destructive properties to animate shapes without losing original geometry
- Increase the radius on shape edges to create a beveled, rounded look
- Turn the smoothing angle all the way down when working with low-poly counts to define sharp edges
Highlights
“It's extremely powerful and so responsive in the After Effects UI.”
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