After Effects is a powerful tool for creating 3D animations and motion graphics, and sometimes you may want to export your 3D objects as OBJ files to use in other 3D modeling and rendering software. Here's how you can do it in After Effects.
Step 1: Prepare Your 3D Composition
Before you can export your 3D object as an OBJ file, you need to have a 3D composition ready in After Effects. This could be a 3D logo, text, or any other 3D element that you want to export.
Step 2: Install the 'Element 3D' Plugin
If you haven't already, install the 'Element 3D' plugin for After Effects. This plugin is essential for exporting 3D objects as OBJ files. Once installed, you can create a new solid layer and apply the Element 3D effect to it.
Step 3: Import Your 3D Object into Element 3D
With the Element 3D effect applied to your solid layer, you can now import your 3D object into After Effects. This could be a 3D model that you've created within After Effects, or a model that you've imported from another 3D software.
Step 4: Set Up Your 3D Model
Once your 3D model is imported into Element 3D, you may need to make some adjustments to its position, rotation, scale, and materials to get it looking the way you want.
Step 5: Export as an OBJ File
After you've made all the necessary adjustments, you can export your 3D model as an OBJ file. In Element 3D, go to the 'Output' section and choose 'OBJ Sequence' or 'Static OBJ' as the export format. Give your OBJ file a name and choose a location to save it.
Step 6: Export Options
You can also adjust various export options such as scale, frame range, and vertex color options before exporting your OBJ file.
Step 7: Export Your OBJ File
Once you've set your export options, click the 'Export' button to generate your OBJ file.
Step 8: Use Your OBJ File in Other 3D Software
Now that you have your OBJ file, you can use it in other 3D modeling and rendering software such as Blender, Cinema 4D, or Autodesk Maya. Simply import your OBJ file into the software of your choice and start working with it.
By following these steps, you can easily export your 3D objects as OBJ files from After Effects and use them in other 3D software for further customization and rendering.
