Ultra 3D Earth Tutorial! + Free ORB Plug-in! 100% After Effects!

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through creating an ultra-realistic 3D Earth using the FREE ORB plug-in for After Effects. By following these steps, you'll learn how to utilize texture maps and various settings to achieve a stunning visual effect. Whether you're working on a motion graphics project or simply want to enhance your skills, this tutorial provides essential techniques for creating dynamic 3D visuals.

Step 1: Download and Install the ORB Plug-in

• Visit the Video Copilot blog to download the ORB plug-in:
  • Download ORB Plug-in
• Follow the installation instructions provided on the website to integrate ORB into your After Effects software.

Step 2: Download Texture Maps

• Access the texture maps needed for the 3D Earth:
  • Download Texture Maps
• Save the texture maps in a location where you can easily find them for later use in your project.

Step 3: Create a New Composition

• Open After Effects and create a new composition:
  • Go to Composition > New Composition.
  • Set your desired resolution and duration.

Step 4: Add the ORB Layer

• Create a new solid layer:
  • Go to Layer > New > Solid.
  • Choose a color (this will not affect the final output).
• Apply the ORB effect:
  • With the solid layer selected, go to Effect > Video Copilot > ORB.

Step 5: Load Texture Maps into ORB

• In the ORB effect settings:
  • Locate the Earth section and find the Texture option.
  • Select the texture map you downloaded earlier (e.g., Earth Day, Earth Night).
• Adjust the settings to refine the look:
  • Experiment with options like Rotation, Scale, and Position to achieve the desired view of Earth.

Step 6: Enhance the 3D Appearance

• Add lighting effects:
  • Go to Layer > New > Light.
  • Choose a Point Light or Spot Light and adjust its position to illuminate the Earth model effectively.
• Play with the Shadow settings in the light layer to create depth.

Step 7: Animate the Earth

• To create dynamic movement:
  • Set keyframes for the Rotation property in the ORB settings.
  • Adjust the timing and easing for a smooth animation effect.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you have created a visually stunning 3D Earth using the ORB plug-in in After Effects. Experiment with different textures, lighting, and animations to further enhance your project. Consider exploring additional features of ORB for even more advanced effects. Happy animating!