When you turn on a layer's 3D layer switch, its fundamental behavior changes within the composition, allowing it to exist and interact in three-dimensional space.
Key Effect of the 3D Switch
According to the provided reference, activating the 3D switch on a layer now allows the layer to interact with other 3D layers in the composition. Before this switch is activated, the layer is simply a 2D element.
Interaction with Other 3D Elements
Turning a layer into a 3D layer enables it to respond to and integrate with other elements that also exist in 3D space within your composition.
- Positioning: The layer gains Z-axis properties, meaning it can be positioned closer to or farther away from the viewer, not just left/right or up/down.
- Rotation: The layer can be rotated around the X, Y, and Z axes.
- Interaction: Crucially, the layer can interact with other 3D layers.
Types of Layers Affected
The reference specifically mentions key types of layers that 3D layers can interact with:
- Lights: 3D layers are affected by lights in the composition (e.g., casting shadows, receiving illumination).
- Cameras: 3D layers can be viewed and manipulated from different perspectives using 3D cameras.
State Before Activation
As highlighted by the reference, without the 3D switch activation, the layer remains purely a 2D element. This means:
- It only exists on a flat plane.
- It only has X and Y positioning and rotation properties.
- It cannot interact with 3D lights or cameras in a meaningful way (e.g., lights won't illuminate it in 3D space, cameras won't change its perspective as they move through 3D space).
In essence, flipping the 3D switch transforms a flat, static element into an object that can participate in the composition's 3D environment, allowing for more complex positioning, animation, and interaction with spatial elements like lights and cameras.
