About Video Copilot Element 3D

Element 3D is a 3D plugin for Adobe After Effects developed by Video Copilot. Version 2.2.3 introduces native compatibility with Apple M1 Macs and adds UI scaling for 4K monitors. The plugin relies on the graphics card for rendering, allowing the CPU to handle other tasks such as keying and motion blur. New features include a Group Symmetry Creation mode, Dynamic Group Folder Reflections, Matte Reflection mode, and Matte Shadow with Alpha Channel. It reads 8‑bit JPG and 8‑bit/16‑bit PNG images, supports After Effects layers up to 32 bits per channel, and can import Cinema 4D files from version R12 onward.
Supported After Effects releases span CS5 through CC 2023, and the plugin runs on macOS 10.8.5 and later as well as Windows Vista SP1 and newer. System requirements include a GPU that meets the plugin’s specifications.

Features

• Group Symmetry Creation Mode
• Dynamic Group Folder Reflections
• Matte Reflection Mode and Matte Shadow with Alpha Channel
• Updated UI with speed improvements and 4K monitor scaling support
• Native M1 compatibility for the M1-native version of After Effects
• Reads JPG 8-bit and PNG 8-bit and 16-bit images
• After Effects layers up to 32bpc and Cinema 4D R12 and up support

Best for

After Effects artists who need GPU‑based 3D rendering, matte reflections, shadow modes, group symmetry tools, and native performance on Apple M1 hardware.