Create Graceful Flags

The Zaxwerks 3D Flag plug-in can turn any picture or movie into a realistic flag animation. Is is easy to use and add a very professional look to your videos and graphics.

One click adds a flag to your project. Another click adds a flagpole to hang it from. Keyframe the flagpole to wave the flag back and forth. Keyframe the wind to create gusts, breezes or hurricanes!

When you want a very special introduction or backdrop, nothing makes it look more special than a majestic flag.

If a standard flag just won't do the trick, you can create a flag of pretty much any shape you want.

Turn your images into flags, pennants, and banners Use the Flag Editor to display the animation in real-time Make your flag starched or elastic, thin or tall Control wind speed, wind direction, and gravity Creating multiple versions or your scene is a snap Animate your flagpole for further realism

3D Flag Details

3D Flag can generate realistic flags, banners, and pennants within Adobe After Effects or Apple Motion 2.

You can use any layer (image, movie, animation) to color the flag and determine its shape. You may also choose from a variety of included flagpoles or add your own.

Customizing how your flag moves is easy. Not only can you animate the flagpole, you may set Wind Speed and Direction or specify Gravity. The flag itself can be stiff or limp, depending on the parameters set in the 3D Flag Editor.

Flag Images and Shapes

3D Flag gives you the ability to create flags of almost any color and shape. You an use an image, image sequence, or movie to color the flag. Also, by choosing an image with transparent areas, you can create flags that look like pennants and banners.

Flagpoles

Your flag may or may not have a flagpole. It's your choice. If your flag does have a pole, then you can choose one of horizontal or vertical poles that come with 3D Flag -- or you can install your own.

The flags may sit on any side of the flagpole but 3D Flag has a Quick Start menu that will help you attach your flag to your pole.

Pole Animation

Flagpoles do not have to be fixed in space. You may animate them as you would any other 3D object, adjusting the location and rotation. Make your flag wave in the air or simply rotate it into the correct orientation for your scene.

Choosing Different Cloths

There are many different types of cloth materials you can simulate with 3D Flag. You can make your flags loose and rubbery or stiff and inflexible.

The 3D Flag Options window lets you select different cloth presets or set specific parameter values yourself.

Wind and Gravity

3D Flag allows you to set forces like Wind Speed, Wind Direction, and Gravity. You can even animate them to simulate varying wind conditions (the wind is rarely constant, after all) or make the flags look like they're on the moon (which has much less gravity than Earth).

Integrating Flags Into Your 3D Scene

By utilizing the tools available in 3D Flag, you can create a flag that integrates into your scene. The image above was achieved by adding a flag to a flagpole, positioning and rotating the flagpole, and turning the Wind Speed to zero. The lights were then tweaked to achieve the correct look.

3D Flag Plug-in

• This plug-in works in Adobe After Effects, Apple Motion, and Adobe Premiere Pro.
• A different plug-in is needed for each host.

Macintosh

• Host: Adobe After Effects 6.5, 7.0, and CS3 (for the AE plug-in)
• Host: Apple Motion 2 or 3 (for the Motion plug-in)
• G4/G5 Power Mac or Intel Mac
• Mac OS X 10.3.9 to 10.4.10
• Quicktime 5 or above
• 512 MB RAM

Windows

• Host: Adobe After Effects 6.5, 7.0, and CS3 (for the AE plug-in)
• Host: Premiere Pro 1.5 & 2.0 (for the Premiere Pro plug-in)
• Pentium 4 or better
• Windows XP service pack 2
• Quicktime 5 or above or DirectX 9
• OpenGL System Extension
• 512 MB RAM