After Effects Guru: Working with 3D in C4D Lite

Learn how to create 3D models in the CINEMA 4D Lite plugin offered with After Effects CC, in the first installment of After Effects Guru.

After Effects Guru helps you dig deep into advanced After Effects options and techniques. This first installment focuses on the new CINEMA 4D (C4D) Lite plugin—a slimmed down version of MAXON's 3D modeling program offered with After Effects CC—and the exciting ways the two programs integrate.

Author Ian Robinson walks through the basics of using C4D Lite and moving between C4D and After Effects. Learn to match your frame rates and project settings, create 3D type and other models, apply materials, add animation, and output your project for compositing in After Effects. Covering the basic linear workflow, this course is the perfect introduction for the experienced After Effects artist who's new to the C4D workflow.

This course was created by Ian Robinson and produced by Rich Harrington. We are honored to host this content in our library.

Introduction

• After Effects Guru

1. Understanding the CINEMA 4D and After Effects Workflow

• Matching frame rates and project settings
• Exploring render settings in CINEWARE and the linear workflow
• What can you do with CINEWARE?

2. Modeling in CINEMA 4D Lite

• Creating 3D type with extrude NURBS
• Repeating graphics with primitives and arrays
• Separating 3D elements using layers in C4D
• Refining models with deformers

3. Creating and Applying Materials in CINEMA 4D Lite

• Creating materials for 3D type
• Applying materials to 3D type
• Lighting your scene
• Adding detail with a sky environment

4. Animation and Output

• Creating animation in C4D Lite
• Animating type with effectors
• Defining multipass layers in C4D Lite
• Working with cameras
• Extracting the C4D data in After Effects
• Exploring the linear workspace