Wireframe and Controls in After Effects

Max Kravchenko

Motion Designer & Tutor

Find out the ways on how to achieve wireframe look in After Effects.

Achieving a Wireframe Look in After Effects: A Comprehensive Guide

I. Introduction

Creating a wireframe look in After Effects adds a unique visual style to your animations, enhancing the perception of depth and structure. This guide will explore various methods to achieve a convincing wireframe effect using After Effects.

II. Using Stroke Effect

A. Applying the Stroke Effect

1. Import your footage or create your animation.
2. Create a new composition.
3. Select the layer you want to turn into a wireframe.
4. In the Effects & Presets panel, search for “Stroke.”
5. Drag the Stroke effect onto your selected layer.

B. Adjusting Stroke Parameters

1. Customize the Brush Size to control the thickness of the wireframe lines.
2. Experiment with Start and End properties to define where the strokes begin and end.
3. Activate All Masks to include all masks on the layer in the wireframe.

III. Using the Cell Pattern Effect

A. Applying Cell Pattern

1. Select the layer you want to turn into a wireframe.
2. In the Effects & Presets panel, search for “Cell Pattern.”
3. Drag the Cell Pattern effect onto your selected layer.

B. Customizing Cell Pattern

1. Set the pattern to “Block.”
2. Adjust the Size and Border properties to control the wireframe density.
3. Experiment with blending modes and opacity to fine-tune the wireframe appearance.

IV. Using the Cartoon Effect

A. Applying Cartoon Effect

1. Select the layer you want to turn into a wireframe.
2. In the Effects & Presets panel, search for “Cartoon.”
3. Drag the Cartoon effect onto your selected layer.

B. Adjusting Cartoon Parameters

1. Customize the Detail and Smoothness settings to achieve a stylized wireframe look.
2. Fine-tune the Edge Threshold to control the visibility of the wireframe lines.

V. Duplicating Layers with Blending Modes

A. Duplicate the Layer

1. Duplicate the layer you want to turn into a wireframe (Ctrl + D or Command + D).
2. Remove unnecessary effects from the duplicated layer.

B. Apply Blending Modes

1. Experiment with blending modes (Overlay, Multiply, or Screen) on the duplicated layer to create a wireframe overlay.
2. Adjust the opacity for subtler or more pronounced wireframe effects.

VI. Using the Set Matte Effect

A. Apply Set Matte

1. Duplicate the layer you want to turn into a wireframe.
2. Place the duplicated layer above the original.
3. Apply the Set Matte effect to the duplicated layer.

B. Customize Set Matte

1. Set the Set Matte effect to reference the original layer.
2. Adjust the Channel settings to isolate specific features for the wireframe.

VII. Conclusion

Experiment with these methods to achieve a wireframe look in After Effects. Combine different techniques, fine-tune parameters, and unleash your creativity to add a distinct visual style to your animations. Whether using Stroke, Cell Pattern, Cartoon effects, duplicating layers, or employing set matte, After Effects offers versatile tools to bring your wireframe visions to life.