Using effects with 3D layers

Though all After Effects effects are 2D effects, you can apply them to any 3D layer except lights and cameras.

With some effects, called Comp Camera effects, you can use the active composition camera or lights to view or light an effect from various angles in order to simulate more sophisticated 3D effects. (See Using cameras and lights with effects.)

Note: Because effects are 2D, effects that appear to cause protrusions in a layer, such as Bulge or Wave Warp, don't have z space values and don't let you view layers through a camera. So, when you rotate a layer with those effects applied and view it from the side, the effect does not protrude into 3D space.