The February 2024 release (version 24.2) introduces the ability to import OBJ 3D models, the option to enable video preview of Motion Graphics templates as thumbnails, support for .exr file for environmental lighting, enhancements in Cycore plugin effects, important fixes, performance improvements, and more.
Besides GLTF and GLB formats, After Effects now also allows you to import 3D model files in OBJ format. You can import the .obj file and any associated .mtl files (material) to add them to your composition, animate, and render them in the same 3D space as native After Effects cameras, lights, and other 3D layers.
Learn how to import 3D models into After Effects.
Use the new Include video preview checkbox while exporting a composition as a Motion Graphics template to enable a video preview of the template as the thumbnail. Preview it in the Premiere Pro Essential Graphics panel by simply hovering and scrubbing over the thumbnails before applying it to the sequence.
Learn more about working with Motion Graphics templates in After Effects.
With the extended support for .exr image files combined with existing .hdr support, you can take full advantage of High Dynamic Range Image files for realistic lighting, reflections, and shadows in 3D scenes.
To use .exr image files to drive lighting via environmental lights, import it into After Effects, add it to the composition, and specify it as an environment light source. The environment light will illuminate the scene with the lighting information stored in the .exr image file.
Learn more about working with Image-Based Lighting (IBL) in After Effects.
Cycore plugin effects for Adobe After Effects offer diverse creative possibilities while working on animation workflows through its effects. The latest release brings the following enhancements to some of your favorite effects from the Cycore plugin:
- Ball Action: Rearranged effect controls with new controls, such as Displacement, Shading, and Coloring.
- Star Burst: Rearranged effect controls with new shading controls.
- Particle World: Enhanced performance.
- Environment: Enhanced performance.
Browse and explore all the third-party plugins you can use in your After Effects projects.
Use Compositing Options of a layer to configure 3D objects' ability to cast and receive shadows. These properties are valuable tools to define the relationships between 3D objects in your composition and how they interact with light and shadows.
- Casts Shadows: Turn it On to allow the 3D object in the layer to cast shadows. Set it to Only if you want the object to cast a shadow but not appear in the composition.
- Accepts Shadows: Turn it On to allow the 3D object in the layer to accept shadows.
Learn to use the Casts Shadows and Accepts Shadows options while working on a 3D workflow.
Additional updates
- Added the ability to encode H264 in an MOV container.
Fixed issues
Check out the latest fixes, performance improvements, and more.
