How can you animate the position of a 3D layer along the Z-axis?

To animate the position of a 3D layer along the Z-axis, adjusting the Z position value in the layer properties is the most direct and effective method. In Adobe After Effects, every layer that is 3D can have its position modified in three dimensions: X, Y, and Z. By specifically animating the Z position value, you can move the layer closer to or further away from the camera, creating a sense of depth in your composition.

When you access the layer’s position properties, you will see three value fields corresponding to the X, Y, and Z axes. By setting keyframes on the Z position value, you can create smooth animations that will move the layer along that axis over time. This is particularly useful for creating depth and perspective in your animations, allowing for a more dynamic visual experience.

Using the 3D camera to reposition the object is another technique, but it involves a different approach, as it affects the entire scene rather than just a single layer's position along the Z-axis. Animating scale could change the size of the layer but wouldn't achieve the same effect of moving the layer in 3D space. Similarly, altering light intensity impacts the illumination of the scene rather than the spatial positioning of the layer