Fake 3D Text in After Effects | Tutorial

Introduction

In this concise After Effects tutorial, we will demonstrate how to transform flat white text into a dynamic and visually appealing fake 3D title. Follow these steps to create your own eye-catching title that simulates depth and dimension.

Step 1: Create Your Text

Start by creating your flat text in After Effects. Choose a bold font and set the color to magenta. This will serve as the base for our 3D effect.

Step 2: Add Layer Styles

1. Right-click on the text layer.
2. Navigate to Layer Styles and select Bevel and Emboss.

Step 3: Adjust Bevel and Emboss Settings

• Set the Technique to "Chisel Hard".
• Increase the Depth to 100% to enhance the 3D appearance.
• Adjust the Size significantly to give the text more volume.
• Control the light and shadow by modifying the Altitude setting.

Step 4: Color Adjustments

You can customize the Highlight Colors by selecting yellow for highlights and blue for shadows. Ensure that both highlight and shadow opacity are set to 100% to make the effect more pronounced.

Step 5: Adding Additional Layer Styles

For more detail, you can add another layer style. This time, let's add a Color Gradient. Set the color to green to introduce more vibrancy and complexity to the text.

Step 6: Animate the Angle

To add some dynamism to your title, you can animate the angle of the gradient over time. Use the following time expression:

time * 50

This easy method of animating will give your text movement and more visual interest.

By following these steps, you can achieve a striking fake 3D text effect that enhances your projects in After Effects.

Keywords

• After Effects
• Fake 3D Text
• Layer Styles
• Bevel and Emboss
• Color Gradients
• Animation

FAQ

Q1: Can I use different colors for the text?
Yes, you can experiment with any colors you like for the text, highlights, and shadows. Simply replace the magenta, yellow, blue, and green colors in the tutorial with your preferred shades.

Q2: What if I don't see the 'Bevel and Emboss' option?
Make sure that you have selected a layer that supports layer styles, such as a text layer. If you are still having issues, try restarting After Effects or resetting preferences.

Q3: Is it possible to animate other properties of the text?
Absolutely! Besides animating the angle, you can animate properties such as size and color to add more dynamism to your fake 3D text.

Q4: How can I create a different texture for my text?
You can add other styles and effects in the layer styles menu, such as a gradient overlay or texture overlays, to achieve a unique look.

Q5: Will this technique work in older versions of After Effects?
Most features used in this tutorial are common in older versions of After Effects; however, some options may vary slightly. Always check your version's compatibility.