After Effects has finally evolved into a true 3D/2.5D hybrid powerhouse with its latest January 2026 release. The new Global 3D Engine replaces the old, fragmented preview systems, offering real-time ray-traced shadows and reflections without the need for external plugins like Element 3D.
A major highlight is the native support for Substance 3D Materials (.sbsar) and USD (Universal Scene Description) files, allowing motion designers to bring in complex assets from Cinema 4D or Maya with full fidelity. From a scripting perspective, Adobe has added new properties to the After Effects Scripting Guide, enabling the automation of 3D environmental light intensity and camera pathing via expressions and scripts. This allows developers to build “automated versioning” tools where product colors, textures, and environments change dynamically based on external data feeds.