Videocopilot Element 3d V1.0.345 Plugin For Ae -mac Osx- ((new))

Video Copilot Element 3D V1.0.345 for macOS was a pivotal update in the plugin's history, released in August 2012 to address early stability issues and add high-end rendering features.

While it is now an older version (the current standard is Element 3D V2.2), v1.0.345 introduced several capabilities that became core to the 3D motion graphics workflow in After Effects. Key Features of V1.0.345

Super Sampling: This was a major addition for visual quality, significantly reducing jagged edges and improving anti-aliasing in high-resolution renders.

"Extreme" Path Resolution: A new mode that allowed for much smoother, higher-quality extrusions from text or mask shapes.

Improved Extrusion Engine: Enhancements to how the plugin handled 3D geometry from 2D paths, making it more reliable for complex typography. Videocopilot Element 3D V1.0.345 Plugin For Ae -Mac OSX-

Enhanced Replicator Support: This version ensured that 3D model packs (like the Metropolitan or JetStrike packs) worked correctly as Replicator Shapes, allowing users to create massive arrays of complex objects without crashing.

Stability & Fixes: It resolved critical "fading custom textures" bugs and fixed crashes related to After Effects' multiprocessor rendering. Historical Context & Compatibility

The Paradigm Shift: Before Element 3D, bringing 3D objects into After Effects usually required slow, external 3D software. Element 3D allowed artists to import OBJ and C4D files directly and render them in near real-time using their GPU.

MacOS Requirements (Legacy): At its release, this version required Mac OS X 10.7 or later and was compatible with After Effects CS5, CS5.5, and CS6. Video Copilot Element 3D V1

GPU Dependency: It was one of the first plugins to rely heavily on OpenGL. On Mac, it specifically supported NVIDIA GeForce 8800 series, ATI Radeon HD 3870, or "Quadro 4000 and similar cards". Modern Note for Mac Users

If you are using a modern Apple Silicon (M-series) Mac or a recent macOS version (like Sonoma or Ventura), v1.0.345 will not be compatible. Video Copilot has since updated the plugin to v2.2.3, which includes native support for Apple Silicon M1/M2/M3 chips and modern After Effects versions.

Are you trying to install this specific old version for a legacy project, or

After Effects Tutorials, Plug-ins and Stock ... - VIDEO COPILOT Go to the "Materials" tab

2. Working With Reflective Materials

OG Mac users were amazed by the real-time reflections.

  • Go to the "Materials" tab.
  • Set "Reflection Mode" to Screen (faster than Raytrace on OSX).
  • For the environment map, use the built-in "Studio.hdr" or import a 360° JPG.
  • Result: A chrome sphere that reflects the AE camera movement instantly.

3. The Material System

V1.0.345 introduced a robust material system:

  • PBR (Physically Based Rendering): Early adoption of realistic lighting.
  • Reflection Maps: Use HDRI images to create realistic chrome and glass.
  • Multi-Texturing: Apply up to 10 different materials to a single 3D object.
  • Bump & Specular maps: For detailed surface texture without heavy geometry.

2. Product Visualization

Since V1.0.345 supports importing .obj files, you can export product models from Cinema 4D Lite (included with AE) or Blender. You can then light them beautifully using the internal point lights and HDRI reflections.

Prerequisites

  • Adobe After Effects CS5, CS5.5, CS6, or CC 2014. (Version 1.0.345 is not compatible with Apple Silicon native mode).
  • At least 1GB of dedicated VRAM (NVIDIA GT 650M or better; AMD Radeon HD 6750M+).
  • Element3D v1.0.345 Installer (.dmg file).
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