How to use A23D 3D Models in After Effects

This guide explains how to import 3D models from A23D into Adobe After Effects (version 24.1 and later) as native 3D model layers for use in motion graphics, product animations, and compositing projects.

Requirement: Native 3D model import became stable in After Effects 24.1 (December 2023). Current After Effects versions import GLTF, GLB, OBJ, and FBX. PBR shading with multiple shadow-casting lights and Adobe Standard Material requires the Advanced 3D renderer.

1. Download and Extract the Model

  1. Sign in to your A23D account.
  2. Browse to the asset you wish to use.
  3. In the Software dropdown on the asset page, select After Effects.
  • A23D automatically delivers the model in the format best suited to After Effects (.gltf) - no manual format selection required. Keep the .gltf file and texture files together because glTF references its dependent files.
  1. Click Download and save the .zip file to a known location on your computer.
  2. Extract (unzip) the archive to access the .gltf model and texture files.

2. Import the A23D Model

  1. In After Effects, open your project (or create a new one).
  2. In the Project panel, right-click in an empty area and choose Import > File... (or press Ctrl+I / Cmd+I).
  3. In the Import dialog, navigate to the extracted .gltf file and click Open.
  4. After Effects adds the model to the Project panel and places the dependencies inside the imported model folder in the Project panel. Keep the extracted files together on disk so the links remain valid.

FBX note: After Effects also imports .fbx files. Use FBX when the asset specifically needs FBX animation, rig, or DCC exchange behavior. For A23D Assets, .gltf is the recommended default because its material and texture references are standardized for PBR exchange.

3. Add the Model to a Composition

  1. Drag the 3D model item from the Project panel into an existing composition, or right-click and choose New Composition from Selection to create one sized for the asset.
  2. The model appears as a 3D model layer in the timeline with a cube icon. The 3D switch is enabled automatically.

4. Set the Renderer to Advanced 3D

For 3D model layers to render with PBR shading, lighting, and shadows, use the Advanced 3D renderer:

  1. Go to Composition > Composition Settings (Ctrl+K / Cmd+K).
  2. Click the 3D Renderer tab.
  3. Select Advanced 3D from the dropdown and click OK.

    Adding a 3D model to a composition prompts After Effects to switch the renderer to Advanced 3D automatically. The older Cinema 4D renderer still loads 3D model layers but does not support the modern Adobe Standard Material PBR pipeline.

Additional Resources

For detailed information on After Effects' 3D pipeline, refer to Adobe's official documentation:
🔗 Import and add 3D models to your composition - Adobe Help
🔗 Advanced 3D renderer - Adobe Help

Need some help?

Contact our team at support@a23d.co