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Embedded 3D model animations

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Learn to import 3D model files with embedded animations and incorporate them into your After Effects composition.

GLB or GLTF 3D models can include embedded animation, even fully-rigged character motion. When you import these 3D model files with embedded animation into my After Effects project, you can access and incorporate that existing animation into your composition. Like other 3D layers, you can animate their transforms, move the camera, add lights to change their look and combine them with different models.

Before you begin:

Ensure you have a GLB or GLTF 3D model that has embedded animations. 

  1. Create a new project and import the GLB or GLTF 3D model file into After Effects.

  2. Add it to your composition and specify the Model Settings.

  3. In the Timeline panel, expand the properties of the 3D model layer.

  4. Expand the Animation Options and use the Name dropdown menu to select the animation that you want to include in your composition.    

    The Animation Options properties is expanded and the Name dropdown is open with an embedded animation called Idle is highlighted.
    Use the dropdown under the Animation Options property to select from the available embedded animations.

  5. Preview the composition to ensure that the right embedded animation is selected. If not, use the dropdown menu to select the right one.

Result

The selected embedded animation is added to the composition. You can trim this animation like a footage layer or retime it with Time Remapping.

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