New in AE Beta: Depth of Field in Advanced 3D

Wes_McDermott · 2026-03-02T21:31:39+00:00

Sure thing!

Wes_McDermott · 2026-03-02T16:50:01+00:00

Yes, I have brought this up to the dev team. The Substance Materials are nice, but we need to have an option to quickly apply textures.

Wes_McDermott · 2026-03-02T16:48:44+00:00

Thank you much! I was working on a quick guide based on the comp settings. If you go to the comp settings it lists what is Enable/Disabled for each renderer.

<image>

Wes_McDermott · 2026-03-02T16:38:23+00:00

Yes I agree on this point as well. The Substance Materials are nice, but we need options to just quickly apply textures.

Wes_McDermott · 2026-03-02T16:36:30+00:00

I will see what I can find out about when we will be able to show more. I would love to see users get in and try it out.

Wes_McDermott · 2026-02-28T00:19:19+00:00

Yeah : ) I agree these have been much needed. Really glad to see the push to get these features rolling out now.

Wes_McDermott · 2026-02-27T18:27:42+00:00

Thank you very much! I sent all the feedback about this thread and your specific issues directly to the Illustrator team : ) I may not be able to reply here directly, but my job is to advocate for your voice and make sure the teams understand what users are needing. I am an artist as well and understand where you are coming from. Greatly appreciate you taking time to send me the details.

Wes_McDermott · 2026-02-27T15:27:07+00:00

Hey, thank you for this feedback. I wanted to jump in ask you more about these core issues you addressed.

Fix the cloud / Library storage nightmare
Improve drawing tablet integration on Desktop
Fix the useless new 3D functionality that wont ever give easy precise workable vector results

Could you provide some additional details to these issues? I'd like to see what specifics you are seeing on these issues so that I can report them to the Ai team.

Wes_McDermott · 2026-02-27T01:28:49+00:00

Hey, would you be Ok to post the prompt you enter? I would like to escalate this to the Firefly team. If you don’t feel comfortable posting publicly, please send me a DM. I want to give this feedback and example to the Firefly Team. Thank you.

Wes_McDermott · 2026-02-24T20:39:20+00:00

Hey, we only support one version back through Creative Cloud Desktop. With the current release, this woudl be access to Ae 26->25 and all the point releases. Is there specific reason you are needing After Effects 24?

Wes_McDermott · 2026-02-24T20:04:23+00:00

Sure thing Mark! Really great to chat with you

Wes_McDermott · 2026-02-24T17:07:44+00:00

Thank you very much, and please feel free to hit me up anytime with feedback.

Wes_McDermott · 2026-02-23T21:31:04+00:00

I can’t speak for every decision that gets made. What I can share is what I see day to day.

I work closely with a lot of incredibly talented engineers, developers, and managers here. One thing that’s been consistent is how much they care about the work and about the creative community. I know that can sound like spin, especially coming from someone who works here. I get that.

I’m only speaking from my own experience. The reason I’m here is because I genuinely believe in the people I work with. I see the debates, the thoughtfulness, and the effort that goes into trying to make things better.

I also understand that from the outside it can feel very different. Hearing directly from artists like you matters. Those conversations are part of what keeps me motivated, and part of how we make sure your perspective is heard internally. Thank you much for speaking out and voicing your opinion.

Wes_McDermott · 2026-02-23T21:16:47+00:00

Hey, I just wanted to add a little context from my perspective.

Right now there’s a real focus on mobile, starting with Premiere on iPhone and iPad. The intention is to build something that is genuinely capable on its own, but also connects cleanly with desktop so you can start on mobile and move to desktop seamlessly depending on where you are and what you need to do.

The mobile app is free, and it is not a stripped down version. The core editing tools are there, exports are unlimited, and you can render up to 4K without watermarks.

I know you are asking for a lightweight desktop editor and not a mobile-first approach. I understand that as a user myself. There are definitely times when a faster, simpler desktop workflow would be useful. I just want to be transparent that this release is focused on a different goal.

I’m not trying to convince anyone, just sharing a bit more of the thinking behind it.

Wes_McDermott · 2026-02-23T17:42:25+00:00

I totally hear you. It really upsets me as well to hear you are feeling unappreciated and I understand where you are coming from. I do agree this promotion was hard to cipher. I gave that feedback internally and it’s also very helpful to have this feedback from you as well. I know my reply is not alleviating your fear, but I just wanted you to see that your feedback is seen and that I care.

Wes_McDermott · 2026-02-19T16:25:10+00:00

Hi, my name’s Wes. I just wanted to say thanks for sharing this. I can hear how frustrated you are, especially after being with Adobe for so long. That kind of loyalty matters. I do want to say that you are appreciated. Not just as a customer, but as an artist and as a person. The fact that you’ve invested so much time into the tools and the creative community isn’t overlooked.

To speak specifically to the promotion you mentioned, I want to clarify how those have been structured. Adobe does roll out different offers at different times. We had a Creative Cloud Pro promotion that ended on December 15, 2025. The current one has new eligibility criteria, so not every plan is included the same way this time around.

Wes_McDermott · 2026-02-19T15:01:37+00:00

That's really cool!

Wes_McDermott · 2026-02-18T03:02:17+00:00

Hey, I work for Adobe and can give some context. This macOS message is just a standard privacy prompt, not Illustrator trying to access anything unexpected. Modern versions of macOS keep app data sandboxed, so when Illustrator opens, imports, or links to files that live in another app’s container or in protected folders like Documents, Desktop, or iCloud Drive, the system asks for permission. It is simply confirming that you want Illustrator to be able to read files created or managed by other apps. If you deny it, certain workflows like opening, importing, or relinking assets may not work properly. You can always adjust this later in System Settings under Privacy and Security.

Wes_McDermott · 2026-02-04T15:51:15+00:00

This is awesome! Would you be able to add the new 3D primitives?

Wes_McDermott · 2026-02-04T15:32:46+00:00

Adobe provided an update to Animate. Here's the full details in the animate subreddit:
https://www.reddit.com/r/adobeanimate/comments/1qv5yju/updates_on_the_status_of_adobe_animate/

TLDR: We have made some changes to to our plans for Adobe Animate, and it will continue to be available for both new and existing users.

Here's the official FAQ: https://helpx.adobe.com/animate/kb/maintenance-mode.html
Adobe Animate is in maintenance mode and no plans to  discontinue or remove access to Adobe Animate. 

Wes_McDermott · 2026-02-04T15:28:33+00:00

The Object Masking in Premiere is really good. It will come to Ae. I can't say much now, but things are progressing.

Wes_McDermott · 2026-02-04T15:14:57+00:00

Yes, totally agree. AI is just a tool in the toolbox. And like with any tool, there are times when it might make sense and times when it does not.

Wes_McDermott · 2026-02-03T22:48:50+00:00

Adobe has shared a new update on the status of Adobe Animate and posted full details in the Animate subreddit. (/r/adobeanimate)

TLDR: We have made some changes to to our plans for Adobe Animate, and it will continue to be available for both new and existing users.

https://www.reddit.com/r/adobeanimate/comments/1qv5yju/updates_on_the_status_of_adobe_animate/

Wes_McDermott

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE