How to Create 3D Depth in After Effects

Here’s how you create organic, tactile, and visually stunning motion graphics that truly stand out. Download my FREE Guide to Mastering Organic Motion Design → In this tutorial, Cameron from Motion Science walks you through the process of creating 3D depth in After Effects. Learn how to utilize 3D lights, cameras, and photography to achieve a dynamic depth effect in your motion graphics. Cameron also introduces the concept of film emulation with dehancer and demonstrates how to animate elements like strings to guide the viewer’s eye. Dehancer Pro Film Emulation: Save 10% on Dehancer with code MOTIONSCIENCE Learn how to Upgrade your Design Skill Set, Master the Art of Style, and Execute like a Pro: Level Up Your Looks With These Texture Packs: Take 15% off the Boris FX Suite! My favorite plugins for After Effects. Go to and enter my coupon code before checkout: moscience-boris22 The Software I use (Adobe After Effects): Must Have Plugins for Motion Designers: How I Organize My Creative Ideas: My Favorite Motion Design Assets: The Music I Use: Motion Science Merch: Follow Motion Science: Instagram: Pinterest: Website: Introduction to 3D Depth in After Effects (00:00 - 00:19) Welcome and Overview by Cameron (00:19 - 00:45) Setting up the Composition (00:45 - 01:19) Introducing the Texture Layer (01:19 - 01:37) Positioning in 3D Space (01:37 - 02:57) Adding Photos and Mockups (02:57 - 03:07) Setting up the Camera (03:07 - 03:44) Adjusting Precompositions (03:44 - 04:34) Animating the Camera Movement (04:34 - 05:12) Incorporating the String Element (05:12 - 07:09) Color Correction and Tinting (07:09 - 07:26) Positioning and Layering the String (07:26 - 09:01) Adding Lights for Depth (09:01 - 12:12) Enhancing with Ambient Light (12:12 - 14:01) Film Emulation with Dehancer (14:01 - 15:09) Final Adjustments and Tweaks (15:09 - 17:57) Conclusion and Final Preview (17:57 - 18:24) Closing Remarks and Resources (18:24 - 18:53)