3D Strokes with Shape Layers

You’ve probably seen this one already, but it’s too good not to share again.

Tony Babel shows a technique to use Layer Styles on a 3D Shape Layer, to create a convincing 3D Stroke animation.

It goes like this:

1. Animate a shape layer and add a thing stroke.
2. Make your layer 3D and rotate it in 3D space
3. Right click on the layer → Layer Styles → Stroke
4. Adjust the settings to your liking!

​Watch the breakdown‍

Here's another example Tony shared showing a simple view of the effect.

Don’t sleep on Layer Styles. You can get some really powerful stylistic effects with a small amount of effort.

And because the layer styles are applied very last in the render order, you can do some creative things like this 3D effect!