After Effects feature summary (December 2023 release)

3D model import

After Effects allows you to import 3D model files in GLTF and GLB formats and render them in the same 3D space as native After Effects cameras, lights, and other 3D layers. 

3D model files can be imported from your local disk or Creative Cloud Libraries.

_{Import 3D model files in GLTF and GLB formats and add them to your composition.}

Image-Based Lighting

Use High Dynamic Range Image (HDRI) files to create image-based environment maps to position 3D models into scenes with realistic lighting, reflections, and shadows. Be it a subtle lighting effect or strong shadows, your 3D objects will look like they belong in your animation environment.

_{Use an image to create realistic reflections and ambient lighting in a 3D scene.}

Learn about Image-Based Lighting and how to add environment light and shadows.

Advanced 3D renderer

Advanced 3D, a new performance-oriented composition renderer, allows you to render 3D motion graphics with high-quality antialiasing and transparency. Advanced 3D has an underlying rendering engine shared with other Adobe and Substance products and uses Adobe Standard Material properties for physically-based rendering.

Advanced 3D allows rendering of:

• Imported 3D models in GLTF and GLB format
• Environment lights for realistic Image-Based Lighting and shadows using HDRI files
• Other 3D layers, such as extruded text and shape layers, cameras, and lights
  
• Physically-based rendering of 3D models and other 3D layers in a unified space
  
• Materials for 3D layers such as text, shapes, and solids

Explore more about Advanced 3D renderer.

2D/3D interoperability

You can combine 3D assets such as 3D models or extruded text and shapes with 2D ones in your compositions. This increased flexibility in After Effects allows you to mix 2D and 3D elements to create engaging animations and explore a wider range of creative possibilities.

Learn how to import 3D models and use them in your composition.

Animated lights and cameras

You can extract lights and cameras from GLB and GLTF models in a composition. When you import a 3D scene with light and camera data After Effects automatically creates new light and camera layers. If the lights or cameras are animated, keyframes will be created too.

Learn how to extract lights and cameras from an imported 3D model and animate them.

3D snapping

You can now snap layers in 3D space while dragging the constrained X, Y, and Z position handles of the 3D gizmo. This includes the XY, XZ, and YZ combo handles of the 3D position gizmo. You can use constrained and non-constrained snapping while working with 3D model layers to align and position your 3D layers and objects with pixel-perfect accuracy.

_{Align and position 3D layers and objects using constrained or non-constrained snapping.}

Learn more about working with 3D Design animation space and navigational controls.

3D model-driven effects

Combine 2D and 3D workflows in one composition by using the rendered frame of a 3D model layer as a source. This workflow allows you to apply 2D effects to portions of 3D scenes and create highly stylized renders using effects that reference another layer, such as Displacement Map, Vector Blur, Calculations, and more. 

Explore a few ways to use the 3D model-driven effects.

Refreshed animation presets

The refreshed presets include updated and enhanced animation effects that incorporate more modern design elements. The refresh focused on a simplified configuration process and also features a collection of new presets. 

Explore the complete list of animation presets available in After Effects.