Per-Character 3D
Enable 3D for individual characters to create 3D text animations and extrusions.
Text
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Per-Character 3D
Adobe After EffectsKeyboard Shortcut
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Where to Find
Select a text layer and enable Per-Character 3D from the Timeline panel's Animate menu or the text layer options.
Best Used For
- ▸Creating 3D text with individual character depth
- ▸Fly-through text animations with cameras
- ▸Cinematic 3D title sequences
- ▸Text that responds to 3D lighting
Advanced⏱ 2-4 hours to master
Key Settings
Depth: Z-axis rotationMaterials: Ambient / Diffuse / SpecularLights: Scene illumination
Per-Character 3D gives each letter its own 3D space, allowing for individual rotation, depth, and lighting. Characters can spin, flip, and fly in three dimensions. Combined with cameras and lights, this creates stunning 3D typography for professional title sequences.
Where to Find
Select a text layer and enable Per-Character 3D from the Timeline panel's Animate menu or the text layer options.
How to Use
- Enable: Click the Animate button > Enable Per-Character 3D
- 3D Properties: Add animators for X-axis position, Y-axis rotation, or Z-axis depth
- Depth: Characters can now rotate in 3D space with individual perspective
- Materials: Apply material options like ambient, diffuse, and specular for 3D lighting
- Lights: 3D text responds to scene lights for realistic rendering
Pro Tips
- Enable Per-Character 3D before adding position animators for full 3D motion
- Use with the Camera Tool for fly-through text animations
- Add a light layer to illuminate 3D text with shadows
- Pre-compose 3D text before adding glow or post-processing effects