Element 3D Rendering: Fast 3D Models & PBR Materials in After Effects

Why Element 3D Remains Essential for Fast 3D Workflows

Element 3D V2.2 by Video Copilot is a dedicated OpenGL rendering engine that lives inside After Effects. It allows motion designers to import .OBJ and .C4D models, apply physically based rendering (PBR) textures, and manipulate 3D geometry alongside 2D layers with real-time viewport feedback.

Step 1: Model Import & Material Configuration

1. Create a Solid named [Element_3D] and apply Effect > Video Copilot > Element.
2. Click Scene Setup to open the 3D model inspector.
3. Click Import and select your 3D model. Normalize scale and align the anchor point to the model base.
4. Assign PBR texture maps: Diffuse (Albedo), Normal Map, Glossiness/Roughness, and Specular maps to achieve realistic metal, glass, or carbon fiber finishes.

Step 2: Realistic Lighting & Ambient Occlusion

• Environment HDRI: Inside the Element UI, assign an HDRI environment map under Environment to provide ambient reflections across curved surfaces.
• Ray-Traced Ambient Occlusion: Under Render Settings > Ambient Occlusion, enable AO (Mode: Ray-Traced, Intensity: 3.0) to generate soft contact shadows where geometric parts meet.
• Shadows: Enable Shadows in Element and use standard After Effects Spot Lights or Point Lights with shadow casting enabled.

Step 3: Multi-Pass Compositing Workflow

Under Output > Show, switch from Composite to individual render passes (Depth Pass, Normal Pass, Specular Pass, AO Pass). This allows you to composite depth-of-field blurs and color grades over specific 3D components without re-rendering in external 3D software.