After Effects: Stack motion graphics in 3D space

After Effects Try it →Watch full video →SonduckFilm · Jan 2026

Demo summary

A walkthrough of converting layers to 3D, setting up a camera with a 3D null parent, and adjusting Z-positions to create depth in a scene.

Step-by-step

Toggle the 3D layer switch for all graphic layers in the composition
Create a new camera
Create a new 3D null object
Parent the camera to the 3D null object
Adjust the Z-position of individual layers to create depth (e.g., +500 and -500 points)
Rotate the scene using the Y-rotation property of the null object

Options

Animate the position of specific graphics to highlight them during a voiceover
Keyframe the null's rotation for 360-degree scene control

Watch out for

The null object must be set to 3D for the parenting and rotation to work correctly in 3D space

Tips

Parent the camera to a 3D null to make camera controls significantly easier to use
Use the null's rotation to visualize the scene layout while adjusting layer depth

Highlights

“it's also very easy to create”

All demos from “10 After Effects Skills You Must Know For 2026”

0:540:46Stack motion graphics in 3D spaceCurrentA walkthrough of converting layers to 3D, setting up a camera with a 3D null parent, and adjusting Z-positions to create depth in a scene.After Effects· AI Motion Graphics
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Watch “10 After Effects Skills You Must Know For 2026” →

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