by Video Copilot·Motion Graphics
Images © Video Copilot. Used for product review; image policy.
Element 3D holds rank 12 in the toolfarm library, and version 2.2.3 stands out for adding native M1 compatibility alongside its matte reflection and shadow modes.
Video Copilot Element 3D is a 3D plugin for After Effects from Video Copilot, holding rank 12 in the toolfarm library. Like other GPU-focused Video Copilot plug-ins, it takes advantage of your graphics card.
Version 2.2.3 introduces native M1 compatibility, so the plugin can run in the M1-native version of After Effects. It's ready for After Effects 2022 and adds support for larger scaling when using the UI on 4K monitors. Because Element 3D is a GPU-focused plug-in, the updated render pipeline means it won't hold back the CPU from processing heavy tasks like keying and motion blur. Feature additions include a Group Symmetry Creation Mode, Dynamic Group Folder Reflections, a Matte Reflection Mode, Matte Shadow with Alpha Channel, and an updated UI with speed improvements.
On the format side, Element 3D reads JPG images at 8-bit and PNG images at 8-bit and 16-bit. After Effects layers can be used up to 32bpc, and the plugin supports Cinema 4D R12 and up.
Video Copilot Element 3D is best for after Effects artists working with 3D who need matte reflection and shadow modes, group symmetry, and native M1 performance.
Video Copilot Element 3D is completely free to download and use.
Video Copilot Element 3D supports a wide range of After Effects versions: CS5, CS5.5, CS6, CC, CC 2014, CC 2015, CC 2017, CC 2018, CC 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. Version 2.2.3 is ready for After Effects 2022 and adds support for larger scaling when using the UI on 4K monitors. If you're on a recent release of After Effects, the plugin is covered. For the definitive list matched to your exact build, check the developer's page before installing.
Video Copilot Element 3D runs natively on Apple M1 Macs as of version 2.2.3. Video Copilot updated its plug-ins so they can run in the M1-native version of After Effects. Element 3D is a GPU-focused plugin that already takes advantage of your graphics card, and with the updated render pipeline it won't hold back your CPU from processing heavy tasks like keying and motion blur. For current details on Apple silicon support, see the developer's page.
Video Copilot Element 3D reads JPG images at 8-bit and PNG images at 8-bit and 16-bit. After Effects layers can be used up to 32bpc, and the plugin supports Cinema 4D R12 and up. If you plan to bring assets in from other applications or work at higher bit depths, these supported formats are worth confirming against your project setup on the developer's page.
Video Copilot Element 3D is listed here as free. Licensing terms can change over time, so for current pricing and license details it's best to check the developer's page directly before downloading or installing. This entry reflects the plugin at version 2.2.3, last updated on the date shown, and Video Copilot maintains the authoritative information about how the plugin is distributed and licensed.
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