After Effects uses two dimensions (x, y) to display the 2D layer. When you convert the layer to a 3D layer, After Effects adds a z-axis, which controls the position of your graphic in 3D space. After Effects adds the following layer properties to the 3D layer (see also Figure 4):
Anchor Point (z)
Position (z)
Orientation (z)
X Rotation
Y Rotation
Z Rotation
Figure 4. 3D layer added to the Timeline panel
Note: To help simulate three dimensions, the Material Options properties that are also added determine how the layer interacts with an arbitrary "light source" that you specify.
To convert the 2D layer to a 3D layer, click the 3D Layer switch in the Timeline panel or choose 3D Layer from the Layer menu.
Article Series
This article is part 4 of a 7 part series. Other articles in this series are shown below:
