If you meant a different Plugin Everything tool (like “Extrude for After Effects” from another developer), let me know and I’ll update the guide. Otherwise, BAO Extrude is the closest match.
Extrude by Plugin Everything is a professional-grade GPU-accelerated plugin designed to add depth and dimension to 2D layers within Adobe After Effects. Unlike standard 3D rendering which can be slow, Extrude allows users to create high-fidelity 3D-esque visuals instantly on live text, shape layers, and masks. Core Features & Capabilities Three Extrusion Modes: Directional: Classic parallel extrusion. Vanishing: Extrusion that tapers toward a specific point.
Full 3D: Compatible with native After Effects cameras for accurate perspective.
Live Text Support: Text remains fully editable ("live") even after applying the effect, allowing for real-time updates without re-rendering.
Advanced Shading: Includes a built-in gradient color wheel for intuitive shading and an "Inner Extrusion" mode for unique depth effects.
High Performance: GPU accelerated for "blazing" speed, supporting Multi-Frame Rendering (MFR) and Apple Silicon native performance.
Robust Path Handling: Easily handles complex, self-intersecting, or overlapping paths that typically cause issues in standard After Effects extrusions. Technical Specifications Compatibility: Requires After Effects CC 2017 or newer.
Bit Depth: Supports 32 bits per channel (bpc) for high-fidelity professional color workflows.
Price: Currently listed at $50 on the Plugin Everything shop.
Market Availability: Available for purchase at aescripts + aeplugins and Plugin Everything. Known Limitations
Motion Blur: Native After Effects motion blur is not directly supported; users must use post-processing effects like CC Force Motion Blur.
Layer Primitives: Parametric shapes (like Rounded Rectangles) must be converted to Bézier paths before extrusion can be applied.
Depth of Field: While camera-compatible, the plugin does not natively render depth of field.
Stylistic Constraints: Does not support per-character 3D or native stroke/fill color animators within the plugin itself; these must be adjusted via the source layer's properties. Extrude — Plugin Everything
Extrude by Plugin Everything is a GPU-accelerated After Effects tool that enables 3D extrusion of text, shapes, and masks while maintaining 2D layer flexibility, featuring directional, vanishing, and 3D camera modes. It supports Multi-Frame Rendering and offers advanced gradient shading, inner extrusion, and live text editing. For more details, visit Plugin Everything Extrude for After Effects - Working with Text Layers Plugin Everything - Extrude for After Effects F...
Extrude for After Effects by Plugin Everything is a GPU-accelerated tool designed to add depth to live text, shape layers, and mask paths with a single click. It supports Directional, Vanishing, and 3D Camera modes, featuring live editability, internal gradient shading, and robust handling of overlapping paths. Learn more at Plugin Everything Extrude — Plugin Everything
I have broken this down into three versions depending on where you need the text (e.g., Gumroad/AE Scripts store, YouTube description, or Social Media caption).
Rating: 8.2/10
Target user: Intermediate to advanced motion designers who need fast, integrated 3D extrusion without leaving After Effects.
Buy if: You frequently create 3D text/logos and hate C4D’s workflow.
Skip if: You need realistic 3D rendering, massive polygon counts, or already own Element 3D.
Rating: 9.5/10
Plugin Everything - Extrude for After Effects solves a problem Adobe has ignored for a decade: fast, interactive 3D typography and shape extrusion.
If you charge by the hour, this plugin pays for itself within a single project. The hours you will save waiting for previews and re-rendering misaligned bevels will amount to days over a year.
The plugin is priced competitively (typically under $65 USD), making it an absolute no-brainer for anyone who touches text or logos in After Effects.
Final Thought: Stop fighting the Cinema 4D renderer. Stop duplicating layers 50 times to fake depth. Download the free trial of Extrude from Plugin Everything, and finally enjoy the freedom of real-time 3D in the software you already love.
Have you used Extrude in a project? Share your before/after render times in the comments below.
Plugin Everything: Extrude for After Effects – The Ultimate Guide to 3D Depth
Plugin Everything's Extrude is a powerful tool for Adobe After Effects that transforms 2D layers—specifically live text, shape layers, and mask paths—into dynamic 3D extrusions with a single click. Unlike standard After Effects 3D options that often require switching render engines, Extrude offers a high-performance, GPU-accelerated solution that maintains compatibility with native features like text animators and cameras. Key Features and Modes
The plugin offers three distinct extrusion modes to suit different visual styles:
Directional: Creates extrusion that follows a specific 2D direction. If you meant a different Plugin Everything tool
Vanishing Point: Extrudes toward a fixed point in space, ideal for perspective-heavy designs.
3D Camera: Fully compatible with After Effects cameras, allowing the extrusion to update accurately as you navigate 3D space. Advanced Customization
Inner Extrusion: A unique feature that allows users to transition seamlessly between standard outer extrusions and inner extrusions, creating complex hollow or recessed looks.
Gradient Shading: Includes an intuitive color wheel editor that supports up to 32 colors for solid or gradient shading, giving artists complete control over the light and depth of their objects.
Live Text Support: Text remains "live," meaning you can change fonts or edit characters in real-time while the extrusion updates instantly. It even handles "cursed" or self-intersecting fonts without breaking. Performance and Compatibility
Built for modern workflows, the plugin is GPU accelerated and fully supports 32 bits per channel (32bpc) for high-fidelity results. It is also native to Apple Silicon and supports Multi-Frame Rendering (MFR) for faster previews and exports. Creative Combinations
Artists can stack multiple instances of the plugin for unique results or pair it with other Plugin Everything tools:
Repeater: Combine it with this free plugin to create complex, repeating 3D patterns.
Path Visualizer: Use it alongside this tool to showcase the underlying curves of your extruded paths. Limitations to Consider While powerful, there are a few technical limitations:
Motion Blur: Native After Effects motion blur isn't supported; it must be added post-process using tools like CC Force Motion Blur.
Depth of Field: 3D Camera mode does not currently render native camera depth of field.
Shape Primitives: Parametric shapes (like rectangles or ellipses) must be converted to Bezier paths before the plugin can extrude them. Extrude — Plugin Everything
Plugin Everything is a high-performance tool for Adobe After Effects that streamlines the creation of 3D depth from 2D layers. It allows motion designers to transform live text, shape layers, and mask paths into complex extrusions without the performance overhead or feature limitations typically associated with the native Cinema 4D renderer. Core Functionality and Modes
The plugin provides three distinct extrusion types to suit different visual styles: Directional Extrusion Rating: 9
: Projects the depth in a specific 2D direction, ideal for "long shadow" or flat-design aesthetics. Vanishing Extrusion
: Converges the extrusion toward a single point, creating a classic perspective look. 3D Extrusion : Fully integrates with native After Effects cameras
, allowing the depth to react realistically as the camera moves through the scene. Key Features and Performance
Extrude is designed for modern workflows, emphasizing speed and visual fidelity through several advanced technical features: GPU Acceleration & MFR Support : The plugin is GPU accelerated and compatible with Multi-Frame Rendering (MFR)
, ensuring fast previews and final renders even on complex projects. Live Text Integration
: Unlike many scripts that require converting text to shapes, this plugin works with live text layers
. You can update the font, characters, or text animators in real-time, and the extrusion will automatically follow. Shading & Color Control : It includes a built-in gradient color wheel editor
, allowing for sophisticated solid or gradient shading to define the sides of the extrusion. Inner Extrusion
: A unique feature that allows users to transition between a standard outer extrusion and an "inner" effect, adding internal depth to objects. Handling Complexity
: It features robust anti-aliasing and a "path-first" approach that handles intersecting or overlapping paths smoothly without visual artifacts. Workflow Advantages For most users, the primary draw of
is its ability to bypass the "C4D Renderer" in After Effects, which often disables essential features like blending modes, track mattes, and layer styles. Because this plugin operates as a standard effect, you can maintain your full AE toolkit while adding professional-grade 3D depth. You can find more information or purchase the tool on aescripts + aeplugins or directly from the Plugin Everything website on how to animate a text logo using its 3D camera mode Extrude Plugin for After Effects - Available Now
Based on the name, you likely mean Extrude by Plugin Everything (a company known for making motion design tools like BAO – Boa, Slicer, Light Leak, etc.). However, as of my latest knowledge, Plugin Everything doesn’t have a product explicitly named just “Extrude” — but they do have BAO Extrude, Depth Generator, and 3D Extruder-like tools.
I’ll give you a comprehensive guide covering the most likely plugin you’re referring to: BAO Extrude (or similar extrusion tools from Plugin Everything) and how extrusion works in After Effects generally.
| Feature | Description | |---------|-------------| | Depth Control | Adjust extrusion depth, taper, bevel, and twist. | | Materials | Apply different colors/textures to front, sides, and bevel. | | Lighting | Responds to AE lights and shadows. | | Camera Aware | Works with AE cameras for true 3D perspective. | | Performance | Uses GPU acceleration (depending on version). | | Layer Support | Works with shape layers, text layers, masks, and paths from Illustrator. |