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Using the Advanced 3D Renderer


    The Advanced 3D Renderer, previously available as a Web download only, is now installed with After Effects 5.5. Use the Advanced 3D Renderer to render compositions whose animations have intersecting 3D layers. The Advanced 3D Renderer not only accurately calculates the look of intersecting layers but also accurately calculates anti-aliasing, motion blur, and layer modes for the intersecting layers.

    The Advanced 3D Renderer also allows you to set the shadow map resolution. Advanced 3D renders its shadows using "shadow maps," which are images rendered from the point of view of each light source. Normally, the resolution of these images is computed automatically based on factors such as the composition resolution and quality switches. However, in some cases you will want to set the resolution manually. For example, if shadows appear blurry even when the Shadow Diffusion material option is set to 0, increase the shadow map resolution. If shadows are rendering slowly, decrease the shadow map resolution.

    Note: If your animation does not include intersections and you do not want to set the shadow map resolution, use the Standard 3D Renderer. It is identical to the Advanced 3D Renderer, except for the above features, and results in a quicker render.

To choose the Advanced 3D Renderer:

  1. Choose Composition > Composition Settings.
  2. Click the Advanced tab.
  3. Choose Advanced 3D from the Rendering Plug-in menu.
  4. Note: The 3D Renderer setting is remembered as a preference. The last 3D renderer you select appears in the Rendering Plug-in menu the next time you access it.

To adjust the shadow map resolution:

  1. Choose the Advanced 3D Renderer, as described in the steps above.
  2. Click the Options button.
  3. Choose an option from the Shadow Map menu. These options represent the resolution in pixels. Choose Comp Size or a resolution larger than the composition size for best results.
  4. Click OK.