Create 3D Objects using 3D Text in Apple Motion
This is a more advanced tutorial in Apple Motion, Final Cut Pro X’s motion graphics partner. 3D text is also possible in FCPx but this takes things further by using that 3D text capability and making 3D objects in a real 3D space; in this case I’m creating an old TV set.
Apple Motion has the same x, y and z space that you find in Adobe After Effects. Neither are true 3D applications, but both offer a wealth of possibilities with 3D-typical features such as lighting, shadows and camera movements in xyz, with all of these being animatable. A feature that sets Motion and Final Cut Pro X apart in this case, is the fact that the 3D text feature really is like true 3D. What I mean here is that this is not simply extruding an object, this really is a 3D implementation. There are texture and lighting environment options, nothing as complex as in Maya or Cinema 4D for example, but quite amazing for a compositing application like Motion.
In this tutorial we will exploit this feature by essentially creating our own brand new font, which contains the shapes we need, and then using the 3D text feature with our own new characters. You need some sort of vector graphics software for some of the steps – I use Affinity Publisher (Affinity Designer or Adobe Illustrator also do the job).
Enjoy and press pause if I go too fast 🙂
My original inspiration for this video was from this tutorial by rippletraining.com: https://youtu.be/DDI_ksL8-iE