3D Stroke 2.0.4 review

3D Stroke uses paths from one or more masks to render volumetric strokes that can be rotated and moved freely in 3D space.

License: Demo OS: Mac OS X File size: 418K Developer: CValley, Inc. Buy Now Price: $99.00 Updated: 02 Dec 2005

0

3D Stroke uses paths from one or more masks to render volumetric strokes that can be rotated and moved freely in 3D space. It has a built-in camera for AE41 and Combustion 3 users and can also use AE5's comp camera.
Path reveals in 3D are easily made using the keyframable sliders for start and end.

Since After Effects allows pasting Adobe Illustrator paths as masks (provided both programs are running on the same machine), you can use your own vector art and fly around it any way you like, the paths will not disappear when viewed from the side.

The repeater section allows for repeating the strokes applying a 3D transform for each instance. 3D Stroke also features motion blur so that fast moving strokes animate smoothly. Built-in transfer modes are provided for easy stacking of the effect in one layer. There is also a feature to bend the strokes in space and taper controls to make strokes that are thinner at the ends.

Here are some key features of "3D Stroke":
Available for Mac OS, Mac OSX and Windows
Works in 16bit (AE5 PB) and 8bit per channel color depths
Option to use AE5 comp camera
Built-in camera for AE41 and Combustion 3 users
Motion Blur
Extensive documentation: Manual and Tutorials
The repeater allows easy object repetition with a 3D transform applied for each instance
View-space z-clipping
Built-in transfer modes
Available for instant purchase on-line.

Requirements:
Adobe After Effects 4.1 and higher.