Element 3D by Video Copilot doesn't directly extrude image files like .png or .jpg. Instead, it extrudes shapes defined by masks or text layers created within Adobe After Effects. An image is typically used to define the shape of these masks or text layers, or it's used as a texture after the shape is extruded.
Here's the general process to extrude a shape based on an image's alpha channel or outline, incorporating details about refining the extrusion and adding textures as mentioned in the reference:
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Prepare Your Image in After Effects:
- Import your image (e.g., a logo with transparency) into After Effects.
- Create a new Composition.
- Drag your image into the composition.
- Method A (Using Auto-Trace): With the image layer selected, go to Layer > Auto-Trace. Adjust settings to create masks based on the image's alpha channel or luminance. This generates mask paths on the image layer.
- Method B (Using as Track Matte): Create a Text Layer or a Solid Layer above your image layer. Use the image layer as an Alpha or Alpha Inverted Track Matte for the layer you intend to extrude. This method is often used for complex logos or when you want to ensure perfect alignment.
- Method C (Directly via Custom Layers if applicable): Sometimes you can use the image layer itself directly within Element 3D's Custom Layers if its alpha channel defines the desired shape clearly.
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Create a New Solid Layer for Element 3D:
- Go to Layer > New > Solid. Choose a color and size that matches your composition.
- Apply the "Element" effect (Video Copilot > Element) to this new solid layer.
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Configure Custom Layers in Element 3D:
- Select the Element 3D solid layer and open the Effect Controls panel.
- Open the Custom Layers dropdown.
- Open Custom Text and Mask Layers.
- Under Path Layer 1 (or another available path layer), select the layer containing your masks (from step 1A) or the layer you are using with a track matte (from step 1B or 1C). Set the "Source" to "Masks," "Text," or "Layer Alpha/Matte" depending on your method.
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Enter the Element 3D Scene Interface:
- Click the Scene Setup button within the Element effect controls.
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Create and Extrude the Model:
- In the Scene Setup window, click the Extrude button (usually visible if a Custom Path Layer is selected). This will generate a 3D model based on the shape defined by your mask or text layer.
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Refine the Extrusion and Bevel:
- In the Scene Setup, select the model you just extruded (it will appear in the preview window and the Group folders on the left).
- Look for the Extrusion Model settings on the right panel.
- As mentioned in the reference: "And over here going to extrusion. Model click on bevel one". Locate the Bevel settings and click on the "Bevel 1" preset or adjust its parameters (like Width, Height, and Segments) to define the edge shape of the extrusion.
- You can also adjust the overall Thickness of the extrusion in the main Extrusion Model settings. The reference notes you might want to "make a little bit thicker".
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Apply Textures:
- Following the reference: "and scroll down here to textures in diffuse click here and add the texture layer."
- While still in the Extrusion Model settings on the right panel, scroll down to the Textures section.
- Under Diffuse, click the dropdown or button (often says "None" initially) and select Add Texture Layer. This allows you to pick a layer from your After Effects composition to use as a texture on the extruded model's diffuse channel (its base color and pattern). You can then select your original image layer here if you want it mapped onto the 3D shape.
- You can apply different textures to other channels like Specular, Normal, Environment, etc.
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Adjust Materials and Lighting:
- Modify the material presets or settings to control the look of your extruded image shape (glossiness, reflectivity, color, etc.).
- Add and adjust lights within Element 3D or After Effects to illuminate your 3D model.
By using your image to create the necessary masks or text layers in After Effects, you can then leverage Element 3D's powerful extrusion tools, including beveling and texturing as described in the provided reference, to turn your 2D image shape into a 3D object.
