How to Import 3D Models into After Effects

This guide outlines the direct process of importing and working with 3D models natively in Adobe After Effects. You will learn about supported file formats, how to configure the Advanced 3D renderer, and the essential steps to import, manipulate, and light your 3D assets directly inside your compositions without relying on external plugins.

Supported 3D File Formats

Recent versions of Adobe After Effects (version 24.1 and later) natively support standard 3D file formats. The supported formats include:

  • GLB and glTF (.glb, .gltf): Recommended for web and real-time workflows, supporting embedded textures, animations, and materials.
  • OBJ (.obj): A common 3D geometry format. When importing an OBJ, ensure its accompanying material (.mtl) and texture files are in the same folder.

Step-by-Step Import Process

Follow these steps to add a 3D model to your project:

  1. Import the Asset: Open After Effects, go to File > Import > File..., locate your 3D model (.glb, .gltf, or .obj), and click Import. Alternatively, drag and drop the 3D file directly into the Project panel.
  2. Add to Composition: Create a new composition or open an existing one. Drag your imported 3D asset from the Project panel onto your composition timeline.
  3. Enable the Advanced 3D Renderer:
    • Go to Composition > Composition Settings (or press Ctrl+K on Windows / Cmd+K on Mac).
    • Navigate to the 3D Renderer tab.
    • Select Advanced 3D from the dropdown menu and click OK. This renderer is required to process native 3D files, cast shadows, and use environment maps.

Manipulating the 3D Model

Once on the timeline, your model behaves as a 3D layer automatically.

  • Transform Controls: Expand the layer's properties to adjust Position, Scale, and Orientation/Rotation in X, Y, and Z axes.
  • 3D Gizmo: Use the on-screen 3D gizmo directly in the Composition viewer to translate, rotate, and scale your object in 3D space.
  • Camera Integration: Create a camera via Layer > New > Camera... to navigate around your model dynamically using the unified camera tools (C shortcut).

Lighting and Environment

To make the model blend naturally with your scene:

  1. Add Lights: Go to Layer > New > Light.... You can use Point, Spot, or Parallel lights to illuminate the surfaces of your 3D model.
  2. Environment Lighting: Add high-dynamic-range image (HDRI) lighting by going to Layer > New > Light... and setting the Light Type to Environment. Assign an HDR or EXR layer as the source to provide realistic reflections and ambient light to your 3D asset.

Importing in Older Versions of After Effects

If you are using an older version of After Effects that lacks native 3D model support, you must use one of the following alternatives:

  • Cinema 4D Lite and Cineware: Included with Adobe Creative Cloud. Import your 3D model into Cinema 4D Lite to save it as a .c4d file, then import that file into After Effects using the bundled Cineware effect.
  • Third-Party Plugins: Use plugins such as Video Copilot's Element 3D to import, texture, and animate OBJ files directly on a solid layer.