by Video Copilot·Rendering
Images © Video Copilot. Used for product review; image policy.
Element 3D stands out in the aescripts library for its wide After Effects support, covering versions from CS5 up to 2025, with recent updates bringing Apple Silicon and Multi-Frame Rendering compatibility.
Element 3D is a plug-in from Video Copilot that adds a 3D object and particle render engine to After Effects. Described as a high-performance tool, it targets motion design and visual effects work.
The plug-in imports 3D objects and textures directly, supporting OBJ and C4D file formats along with OBJ files that carry MTL materials. It also handles animated OBJ sequences and reads textures in PNG, JPG, HDR and EXR.
Version 2.2.3 runs across a broad range of After Effects releases, from CS5 through the 2025 version. Recent updates added support for Apple Silicon (M1), Multi-Frame Rendering, and UI scaling for 4K monitors. The plug-in is listed here as free, with current licensing on the developer's page, and a demo video is available.
Element 3D is best for motion designers and VFX artists working in After Effects who need to import and render 3D objects, particles and textures.
Element 3D is completely free to download and use.
Element 3D lists compatibility with a wide span of After Effects releases, including 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, CC 2019, CC 2018, CC 2017, CC 2015.3, CC 2015, CC 2014, CC, CS6, CS5.5 and CS5. This range covers both current subscription releases and much older CS and CC versions. Support for After Effects 2022 was added in version 2.2.3. If you work across several machines or older projects, check that your specific After Effects build matches one of these listed versions before installing.
Element 3D added support for Apple Silicon (M1) in a build dated May 2022. An earlier update also brought macOS notarization in version 2.2.2. Alongside the M1 work, the plug-in gained Multi-Frame Rendering and UI scaling for 4K monitors. If you run After Effects on an M1 Mac, make sure you have a build that includes the Apple Silicon support, and consult the developer's page for the latest release and any system details specific to your setup.
Element 3D imports 3D objects and textures, working with OBJ and C4D file formats. It reads OBJ files that include MTL materials and can handle animated OBJ sequences. For textures, it supports PNG, JPG, HDR and EXR files. This combination lets you bring in models along with their material and texture data from common 3D formats. Check the developer's page for details on exporting from your particular 3D application.
Element 3D is listed here as free. Pricing and licensing terms can change, so for current details and any license conditions it's best to check the developer's page directly. The plug-in comes from Video Copilot and is distributed through aescripts. The version listed here is 2.2.3, last updated in November 2021, with a later build adding Apple Silicon support. Confirm the terms that apply to your intended use before downloading.
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