This is where the plugin shines. Because Extrude builds its geometry based on the layer's position, it respects the After Effects 3D camera.
Let's talk about numbers. On a modern machine with a dedicated GPU (NVIDIA RTX 3060 or higher), Extrude renders complex extrusions in milliseconds.
Where the native "Ray-Traced 3D" renderer might take 8 seconds per frame to render a complex logo, Plugin Everything Extrude renders that same frame in 0.2 seconds.
Why? Because Extrude utilizes rasterization (the same tech video games use) rather than ray-tracing (the tech Hollywood uses). For 99% of motion graphics—explainer videos, lower thirds, logo stings, UI animations—rasterized 3D is visually indistinguishable from ray-traced 3D, but it renders in real-time.
Title: Plugin Everything – Extrude for After Effects Plugin Everything - Extrude for After Effects F...
Subtitle: Create True 3D Extrusions Directly Inside After Effects (No Third-Party Render Engines Needed)
Description: Stop juggling between Cinema 4D and After Effects. Extrude by Plugin Everything allows you to convert any shape layer, text layer, or mask into a fully controllable 3D object instantly.
Key Features:
Requirements: After Effects CC 2019+
For text animators, Extrude is revolutionary. Native After Effects can extrude text, but it extrudes the entire word as one block.
Extrude allows per-character depth. You can set a text animator that makes the letter "E" extrude 50 pixels, while the letter "X" extrudes only 5 pixels. You can also control the "Leading Edge" (the front of the character) and "Trailing Edge" (the sides) separately. This allows for complex "pop-on" text reveals that look genuinely three-dimensional, not just flat cards rotating in space.
From Flat to 3D in One Click. Extrude by Plugin Everything gives you true geometric depth, bevels, and lighting for Shape Layers & Text—entirely within After Effects.
1. Bevels and Custom Shapes One of the standout features of Extrude is its ability to apply bevels. A standard flat extrusion often looks computer-generated and cheap. By adding a bevel (a rounded or chiseled edge), the object catches light more naturally, giving it a premium, realistic weight. Users can choose from preset bevel styles or create custom shape paths to define the edge of their 3D object. Add a camera (Layer → New → Camera)
2. Advanced Material Options To sell the 3D effect, lighting is paramount. Extrude provides controls for diffuse, specular, and reflection shading. This allows the user to determine how "shiny" or "matte" the object appears. When combined with After Effects' native lights, the plugin can produce dramatic shadows and highlights that integrate seamlessly into a composition.
3. Grouping and Instancing For complex logos or multi-line text, Extrude handles grouping intelligently. It allows users to extrude groups of shape paths as a single unit or separate them, providing flexibility when animating. Furthermore, because it utilizes After Effects' native 3D layers, the extruded object can interact with other layers, accepting cast shadows and reflecting environment maps.
Let’s compare a specific task. Suppose you need to animate a logo reveal where a golden emblem extrudes out of a flat surface, rotates 90 degrees, and then shatters.
The Old Way (Native):
The Plugin Everything Way:
This speed isn't just a luxury; it is creative freedom. When iteration takes milliseconds, you are more likely to experiment. You might try a bevel shape you wouldn't have risked before because you knew it would take 5 minutes to render test.
