Creating realistic 3D visuals in motion design has become easier with effects like the Cylinder effect. This tool allows you to turn layers into faux 3D cylinders, adding depth and visual appeal to your projects. This guide will simplify the effect, explain its key features, and share tips for using it effectively.
What Is the Cylinder Effect?

The Cylinder effect transforms a 2D layer into a 3D like cylinder, using the layer’s texture as the surface. Despite its 3D appearance, the final output remains a 2D layer, making it compatible with other effects and layers in your project.
Key Features of the Cylinder Effect
- Orientation vs. Rotation:
- Orientation: Useful for positioning the cylinder in 3D space. It is best for animating smooth transitions between poses.
- Rotation: Ideal for spinning motions, where X, Y, and Z axes are animated independently.
- Radius and Length:
- Radius: Controls the cylinder’s roundness. Smaller values create tighter cylinders, while larger ones make broader shapes.
- Length: Adjusts the cylinder’s height.
- Smoothing:
- Adds rounded edges and corners for a polished look.
- Use zero for sharp edges or increase the value for smoother results.
- Light Source Settings:
- Shading: Customize the lighting style (Flat, Point Light, Directional Light, Depth Map, Normal Map, etc.).
- Intensity, Shine, and Specularity: Control brightness, metallic appearance, and surface glossiness.
- Texture Mapping:
- Repeat X and Y: Repeat the texture horizontally or vertically for seamless patterns.
- Twirl and Offset: Adjust texture rotation or alignment for creative designs.
- Ray Marching Precision:
- Defines the rendering quality. Higher values improve edge clarity but may slow down performance.
Practical Applications
1. Cylindrical Objects (Cans or Bottles):
Transform a 2D label or design into a realistic cylindrical shape. Adjust the Radius and Length to match the dimensions of the object.
2. Coins or Disk Shapes:
Reduce the Length and increase the Radius to create disk like objects such as coins or medals. Add directional lighting for a metallic finish.
3. Funhouse Mirror Effect:
Apply the Cylinder’s effect to a photo and increase the Scale to stretch it across the screen. Adjust Repeat X, Repeat Y, and Offset to create a distorted, reflective look.
Tips for Using the Cylinder Effect
- Adjust Lighting Thoughtfully: Use Point Light or Directional Light settings to mimic natural or artificial lighting. Experiment with Shine and Ambient values for realistic results.
- Refine Texture Alignment: Avoid distorted textures by adjusting Repeat X, Repeat Y, and Offset. This ensures the surface looks natural.
- Combine with Other Effects: Pair the effect with rotation or scaling animations to create dynamic visuals.
- Keep Perspective in Mind: Though the Cylinder effect mimics 3D, itโs a 2D layer. Plan your composition accordingly.
- Optimize Performance: Use lower Ray Marching Precision during previews and higher settings for final rendering.
Why Use the Cylinder Effect?
The Cylinder effect adds a new layer of creativity to motion design. Whether youโre animating product mockups, crafting engaging visuals, or experimenting with textures, this tool is a game changer. Its blend of simplicity and versatility makes it a must have for designers.