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3D Transform Gizmos

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  14. Expressions and Automation
    1. Expressions
      1. Expression basics
      2. Understanding the expression language
      3. Using expression controls
      4. Syntax differences between the JavaScript and Legacy ExtendScript expression engines
      5. Editing expressions
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  15. Immersive video, VR, and 3D
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    11. Embedded 3D model animations
    12. Shadow Catcher
    13. 3D depth data extraction
    14. Modify materials properties of a 3D layer
    15. Work in 3D Design Space
    16. 3D Transform Gizmos
    17. Do more with 3D animation
    18. Preview changes to 3D designs real time with the Mercury 3D engine
    19. Add responsive design to your graphics 
  16. Views and Previews
    1. Previewing
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  19. Collaboration: Frame.io, and Team Projects
    1. Collaboration in Premiere Pro and After Effects
    2. Frame.io
      1. Install and activate Frame.io
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      3. Frequently asked questions
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  20. Memory, storage, performance
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    2. How After Effects handles low memory issues while previewing    
    3. Improve performance
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  21. Knowledge Base
    1. Known issues
    2. Fixed issues
    3. Frequently asked questions
    4. After Effects and macOS Ventura
    5. How After Effects handles low memory issues while previewing

Use the 3D Transform Gizmo to scale, position and rotate 3D layers within a single tool. Unlike the older transform gizmo, this tool is faster and more intuitive, and gives you all the space manipulation tools in one. It works similar to Dimension, where it allows you to transform each of the axis within the same tool. You can eliminate the need to go into separate properties like position, scale, and rotate to manipulate these.

To use it, follow the steps in the Open the 3D Design Space section.

The primary gizmo enables you to scale (square handles), position (arrows), and rotate (circles) an object in a single control. Simply click and drag the control you want to manipulate:

  • Position handles, represented by arrows, allow you to move your selection in the direction the arrow is facing. When you move it, the pink lines that follow work as guides for you to know how far the object has moved from its origin point. To learn more, see Dimensional guide.
  • Scale handles, represented by squares, allow you to stretch and scale your objects along the line the handle is placed on. Hold shift while scaling to scale uniformly in all directions.
  • Rotate handles, represented by circles, allow you to rotate your objects in the direction of the line the handle is placed on. By default, rotation moves in increments of 1 degree. Hold Shift while rotating to snap rotation to increments of 5 degrees. Hold Command/Control while rotating to turn off rotation snapping and get decimal precision.

Different gizmo variations

The older versions of Transform Gizmo does not have individual states. The 3D Transform Gizmo starts with a Universal state and the other variations are: Position, Scale, and Rotation. You can change them from the main toolbar.

Each of the colors represent different axis - Red for X (horizontal), green for Y (vertical), and blue for Z (depth). Move each of the axis to change the orientation of the objects.

States of gizmo
States of gizmo

Universal state

Universal state
Universal state

Position-specific

Position state
Position state

Scale-specific

Position state
Scale state

Rotation-specific

Rotation state
Rotation state

Different axis modes

After Effects enables you to switch between local and world axis space, and view axis mode that perform the following tasks:

  • Moving anchor point
  • Position & orientation
  • Rotation with Y / Pan Behind / Anchor Point Tool

Tip: Try combining the world or local space or view axis mode along with the different states to get more control over the objects in 3D space.

Dimensional guide

Use the Dimensional guides while working with the gizmos to tell how far an object has moved or how many degrees it has been rotated. These guides update dynamically and give you information about the different states and modes of gizmo. 

For example, if you move the Position head (the arrow) it is followed by a pink line that indicates how far the object has moved from the origin point. There is also an intersection point made of pink lines, and the dynamic values of the different axes that add speed and versatility to your 3D workflows.

Use hotkeys to switch between gizmos

You can edit these properties separately using the 4, 5, 6 keys to go to individual tools and manipulate the axes, or press the V key to get back to the universal gizmo. You can also focus on one type of property for greater precision. Edit the keyboard shortcut for these in the Keyboard Shortcut Editor.

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