How to Make a 3D Button in Adobe After Effects
A 3D button is a visual tool often used for interactive websites, Flash animations and other Internet-based projects. Photo-based software can often create these objects with a few simple clicks, but if you need to use a digital motion software Adobe After Effects to create the button, then there are multiple ways. Once the button is created, you can add text, turn it 3D and animate it using the camera tool. This tutorial applies to all versions of After Effects.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Create a new composition with the Composition icon. Type in the length that you want the 3D button to animate for and press "OK."
-
2
Right click in the "Layers" window and select "New" and "Solid." Select the basic color base you want for the button. Press "OK" and the colored layer will appear in the "Monitor" window.
-
-
3
Click on the "Mask" shape tool from the toolbar. Click and drag to create the button shape you want to use. Once the shape is formed, right-click on the mask and select "Subtract" to remove all the colored solid around it. You will now see the button shape and a black background.
-
4
Click on the button layer to highlight it. Go to "Layer" and "Make New Layer Composition." Select the "Transform all Attributes to New Composition" box and click "OK." The button will now appear in a new composition and on the "Monitor" window.
-
5
Select the "Text" tool icon. Click and drag to make a text box inside the button. Type the text you want, and use the "Text Editor" window to adjust spacing, font and font size.
-
6
Right click in the layers window and select "New" and "Solid." Choose a second color for the solid to add more depth. For example, if your button is a dark red, choose a light right you can mix in. Click on the "Mask" tool and layer a mask over the colored solid.
-
7
Type "M,M" to load the mask options for the colored solid. Drag the "Mask Feather" option over until the two colors blend together and add 3D depth to the object.
-
8
Type in "Lens Flare" on the "Effects and Presets" menu. Drag the "Lens Flare" effect onto the button layer. It will add a lens flare to give the button a 3D-like texture. Use the "Effect Controls" window to adjust the lens flare. Try to keep it completely on the button, and not cut off at the edges.
-
9
Return to the original composition. You will now see the 3D button in the center of the black composition. Click on the "3D Enable" icon next to the button layer. This will enable 3D properties for the button.
-
10
Right click in the "Layers" window and select "New" and "Camera." Select "OK" and a new camera layer will form.
-
11
Select the "Camera Pan" tool. Click in the "Monitor" window and move the camera around to see the 3D button. Enable the "Key Frames" icon on the camera to set the 3D animation of the button.
-
1
