3D Serpentine Details

Start by drawing a three-dimensional path in After Effects. 3D Serpentine will use the path as a guide and extrude a shape such as a circle, star or rectangle along this guide path to create a 3D noodle. As you edit the AE path the noodle changes shape to match. The position of the noodle can be animated along the path to create unwinding movie film, shooting stars and many other effects.

It’s almost like drawing a 3D stroke along the path, but in this case instead of a simple stroke a real 3D object is created which responds to lighting and can be textured and color-mapped.

Auto-Orient

Powerful Zaxwerks-only auto-orientation technology insures that the 3D objects look good at all points along the path and don’t suffer from the twists and distortions that most other 3D programs have.

Cross Sections

For instant feedback, basic cross section shapes are included such as stars, rectangles lines and circles; but you can also use AE’s drawing tools to create any cross section you wish, even ones with multiple parts.

End Cap Control

End cap controls give you instant pointed, beveled, rounded or domed ends.

Importing Custom Head and Tail Objects

Head and Tail objects can be imported from Zaxwerks ProAnimator or Invigorator, enabling you to use any 3D object as the beginning or end of the noodle.

Materials and Lighting

Noodles can be colored by an image or movie. They can be rendered in solid, cartoon, wireframe and hidden line styles. Bump and reflection maps can be used to give the objects texture and brilliance. All 3D Serpentine objects respond to the After Effects camera and lighting.