Stacking 3D Layers

The first thing to do is create a simple text layer. I'm writing out 3D.

Select the text layer and set it as 3D by toggling this switch.

It doesn't look like much yet, but if I hit R, it opens up rotations. If I rotate on the Y-axis, you can see it is a 3D layer. Still not much to look at; it's too thin.

By adding in duplicate layers along the Z-axis, we can beef up this text so that it appears 3D. To do this, we're going to use a tiny little expression (don't panic!)

Alt-Click or Command + Left Click the stopwatch to open up the Expressions Menu, then type this command: [value[0],value[1],index*10];

The first value refers to the first position (the X-axis), the second is for the Y, the third will index off the Z as many times as I command...in this case, I chose ten.  Now, when I duplicate this layer, this same formula will be translated across Z space.

Next, we create a new Null layer and place it at the bottom.

We select all the text layers and pickwhip them to the Null. Now that everything is parented to the Null, we make sure the Null layer is also set as 3D and...

It looks 3D, right? And if we adjust the colors of the lower layers...

If you want a thicker 3D object, all you have to do is add more layers. The downside of this method is that, from the side, you will see the space between each layer and break the illusion.

Using the Extrude Function

The next method is to Extrude the layer. In After Effects, an Extruded object is one that appears to be 3D. Now, there isn't just an option that let's us extrude the layer. So how are we going to do it?

Once we make this layer 3D, you'll see the Renderer button pop up in the top right.

This lets us select between Classic 3D and Cinema 4D. I'm going to select Cinema 4D, as that allows me to extrude. Some options are disabled, such as blending and motion blur.

Now, when I go into the text layer, you can see all these new options since we're in Cinema 4D rendering.

If I add value under Extrude and rotate on the Y-Axis you can see my type is now showing up as a real 3D object.

I can even add Beveling if I want. So you can see just how quickly I was able to make 3D text. I can even play with a variety of materials to find the best look for my text.

You should never be afraid of a little extruding.

With this method, you can also rotate completely and it still looks 3D, unlike our stacked layer option. One drawback is the sides of the text are hard to see. To fix that, simply go to the arrow next to Animate and select Side > Color > Hue. What's great is that all of this is built right in to After Effects.

Building in Cinema 4D Lite

Our final method for creating 3D text is to use Cinema 4D Lite, which is included in After Effects. If you're not familiar with C4D, that's okay. This is quick and easy, and it will expose you the power of that software while staying in your AE comfort zone.

Go to Layer > New > MAXON CINEMA 4D File...

Once you open the new C4D file, it will open an new window for you.  Don't worry if this looks a little foreign. I'm here to walk you through.

I'm going to go to the Pen tool and select Text, which will create a 3D text layer for me to use.

Then I can quickly type in the layer to change the text to "3D" (it's been working for us so far, so why break the mold?)

If I click and drag around, I can see that my object exists in 3D space, but it needs a little meat on them bones.

How I do that is by clicking on the extrude icon and add an extrude object, then drag the text object under Extrude. I can also select the text and hold the Alt or Option key as I select extrude. This is how the object should be parented.

Now I can change the extrude offset values in my object tab to make it look how I'd like.

Finally, I'll save my project and head back to After Effects, and my 3D text will be waiting for me!

Those grid lines you see won't be rendered and are just there to help you out. If you want to get rid of them, just go to the Render Setting in the Effects Controls panel and select Current.

Now I want to add color to my object. We go back to Cinema 4D and under the create tab select new default material (CTRL-N).

I'm going to use the same purple-blue that I've been working with all day. You can change the color of a material in the attributes panel.

I just drag it onto the extrude object and...voilà!

And because this is an actual 3D object, the sides are properly shaded. I save my project (the long way, or just CTRL-S) and back in After Effects I'll see my colored text waiting.

Now you can make 3D text in After Effects

See? Not too complicated. After Effects is a robust program, and once you master the basics, the possibilities really open up. Just remember that you can stack layers, extrude using the C4D renderer, and jump right into Cinema 4D Lite, and you'll be cranking out some 3D magic in no time.

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