Create a 3D Logo Animation in Adobe After Effects

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a 3D Logo Animation:

Step 1: Setting Up Your Composition

1. Open Adobe After Effects and create a new composition.
2. Rename the composition to “3D Logo” or a name of your choice.
3. Set the resolution to 1920×1080 pixels.
4. Choose a frame rate of 30 frames per second and a duration of 10 seconds.

Step 2: Adding a Background

1. If desired, create a background layer: Go to Layers Menu > New > Solid.
2. Lock the Background layer to avoid accidental changes.

Step 3: Adding Text

1. Select the type tool from the toolbar.
2. Add your desired text and increase the font size.
3. Align the text to the center of the composition.

Step 4: Organizing Your Layers

1. Right-click the text layer and choose “Pre-compose.”
2. Rename the pre-composition to “3D Logo Comp.”
3. Double-click the composition to open it.
4. Right-click the text layer again, choose “Pre-compose,” and rename it to “Logo” or your text.

Step 5: Creating a 3D Effect

1. Select the logo composition.
2. Enable the 3D option.
3. Go to Effects & Presets and search for the “Exposure” effect.
4. Apply the “Exposure” effect to the composition.
5. Adjust the Exposure value from 0 to -1.
6. Select the composition and press the “P” key to open position properties.
7. Right-click the position and choose “Separate dimensions.”

Step 6: Adding Multiple Copies

1. Hold the Alt key and click the stopwatch icon to add an expression.
2. In the expression window, type “index.”
3. Duplicate the layer 20 times by selecting the layer and pressing Ctrl+D.

Step 7: Optimizing 3D Layers

1. Select the first duplicated layer and delete the “Exposure” effect.
2. Go back to the 3D Logo composition.
3. Enable “Collapse Transformations” and the 3D option for the duplicated layers.

Step 8: Adding Camera Movement

1. Add a Camera layer to your composition.
2. Create a Null object layer.
3. Parent the camera layer to the null layer.
4. Enable 3D for the Null layer.
5. Press the “R” key to open rotation properties.
6. Adjust the Y rotation with keyframes after 2 seconds for a dynamic look.
7. Add different rotation values for the X rotation.

Step 9: Polishing the Animation

1. Select all keyframes, right-click, and go to Keyframe Assistant.
2. Choose “Easy Ease” to create smooth transitions.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully created a captivating 3D animation in Adobe After Effects, all without the need for any additional plugins.