Manipulate Layers in 3D Space with 3D Transforms

Discovering the New Transforms Section

There’s a brand new section available in the property panel called ‘Transforms.’ Here, you’ll find a collection of new properties including the option to add rotation with a new control that lets you pick between a 2D and a 3D rotation. Setting it to 3D gives us access to X, Y, and Z rotation axes.

Enhancing 3D Appearance with Perspective

While rotating, our layer might still appear quite flat. To enhance the 3D effect, we can add perspective by setting it to a value like 1000. This significantly impacts the rendering of our layer. Uniquely, our entire selection UI can be projected in 3D space, allowing for more dynamic editing and interaction with transformed layers.

Implementing 3D Effects and Animations

Next, I’d love to demonstrate how to use the new origin property alongside effects to animate and transform elements dynamically. By copying the rotation and effects settings to another layer and adjusting the origin point, we gain tremendous control over our animations, impacting both the visual outcome and editing experience on the canvas.

Creating a Card Flip Animation

Now, let's delve deeper into creating a card flip animation using these 3D tools. Starting with two images representing the front and back sides, we add looping effects to both. To prevent the back of the cards from showing during the flip, we utilize the back face property set to hidden. Adjusting the rotation settings allows the cards to hide interchangeably, creating a seamless flip effect.

Optimizing Animation with Single Effect

To simplify our setup, we can group both cards under one frame and apply a single looping effect to control both, ensuring synchronization and smoother transitions. Adding the preserve 3D property ensures that all nested layers maintain their spatial relationship, enhancing the 3D effect.

Combining Effects for Enhanced Interactivity

As a final enhancement, we can add a drag effect to our setup, allowing for user interaction with the card flip animation. This demonstrates how easily different effects can be combined in Framer to create complex, interactive 3D animations.

Ensuring Compatibility with Interactive Tools

In Framer, 3D transforms are compatible with all existing interactive tools and components. This compatibility extends to custom cursor features, interactive components like slideshows, and projection of assets onto 3D planes, showcasing the versatility and power of 3D transformations in enhancing interactive and creative experiences.

Framer’s integration of direct manipulation, animation, and interactive tools not only facilitates new ideas but also enriches the creative process, leading to innovative designs and solutions in a playful, explorative environment.