Let’s make a model introduction video

Updated: 07/26/2024

There are model introduction videos posted on social networking and video posting platforms using tags such as #Live2DShowcase.
In this article, we will explain how to create such a video using the Cubism AE plug-in.

The Cubism AE plug-in allows you to display Cubism models and handle motion directly in Adobe® After Effects® software.
For more information, see “About AE plug-in” in the Editor manual.

Advance preparation

Exporting Data for Embedded Use

Export the necessary data for embedding from Cubism Editor.
For information on how to export, see “Data for embedded use” in the Editor manual.

Live2D models can also be obtained from the following sites.

• Purchase at markets such as nizima.
• Download a model from the Live2D sample data collection.

Download the Plug-in

Download and install the Cubism AE plug-in from the following site.

AE (After Effects) plug-in download

Project preparation

Create an empty Adobe After Effects project.
In this example, the version is 24.3.

Next, create a new composition.

• Size: 1920 x 1080 px
• Frame rate: 60 fps
• Duration: 1 minute

Importing and displaying models

Once composition creation is complete, continue with importing the model for embedded use.

For detailed instructions, see “Model Display” in the Editor manual.

Editing model parameters in After Effects

Create the following movement in After Effects.

Keyframes can be edited from any of the following.

Cubism Controller panel:

Effects control panel:

Timeline panel:

The “Zoom” parameter of the camera layer is used for the areas where the camera gradually approaches.

The last blur is expressed by applying a “blur (radial)” effect using an adjustment layer.

Applying expressions to model parameters

Be careful when using expressions with the Cubism AE plug-in.
For more information, see “About expression” in the Editor manual.

Model parameters can use expression as well as “Rotation” and other parameters in transforms.

The rhythmic movement at the beginning of the video is controlled by the “Body rotation Y” parameter and the “Breath” parameter using expressions.

For movement, the “Transform/Position” parameters are controlled by keyframes.

Applying motion

By reading the .motion3.json file, motion data can be applied to keyframes in the model.

For more information, see “Import and Export Motion” in the Editor manual.

Motion data is imported as keyframes, which can be edited in After Effects by overwriting values or adding new keyframes.

This scene uses the “mtn_02” motion of the sample model “Nijiiro Mao.”

Physics baking

When you have finished applying motion, click [Live2DCubismRenderer / Physics] in the Effects Control Panel and then the [Execute] button under [Bake].

This allows the results of the model’s physics calculations to be baked in as keyframes.

For more information, see “Physics” in the Editor manual.