How to Animate Chain Links in After Effects

Learn how to create and animate 3D chain links using shape layers, extrusion, lighting, and simple rotation settings in After Effects.

Introduction

You can build realistic 3D chain links directly inside After Effects using shape layers, bevel settings, and an environment light. This workflow requires no external 3D software and is perfect for motion graphics, title sequences, and mechanical-style animations.

Step 1: Create a New Composition

Go to Composition > New Composition and set up your comp. In the 3D Renderer section, choose Advanced 3D. This enables extrusion, bevels, reflections, and realistic lighting options. Step 2: Draw the First Chain Link

Select the Rounded Rectangle Tool (Q). Set Fill: None, Stroke Width: 35, Stroke Color: Light Blue. Open the shape layer properties and increase Roundness to 550 to create a smooth oval shape.Step 3: Center the Anchor Point

Right-click the shape layer and choose: Transform > Center Anchor Point in Layer Content This makes rotation and duplication cleaner and more accurate.

Step 4: Convert to 3D and Add Depth

Enable 3D for the layer. Open the Geometry Options and set:

Extrusion Depth: 60
Bevel Style: Convex
Bevel Depth: 10
Specular Shininess: 100
Adjust the Anchor Point (Z value) to around 30 to center the depth.

Step 5: Add Lighting

Go to Layer > New > Light and set:

Light Type: Environment
Intensity: 100
Cast Shadows: On

This will add reflections and realism to your 3D chain links. Step 6: Duplicate the Link and Build the Chain

Duplicate the rectangle layer to create the next chain link. Offset the new link so it becomes visible. For proper orientation, choose:

X Rotation: 90–110° for a horizontal chain
Y Rotation: 90–110° for a vertical chain

Repeat until you build the full chain you want to animate.

Step 7: Animate the Chain

Go to Layer > New > Null Object. Make all chain link layers children of the Null using the pick whip tool. Animate the Position, Rotation, or Scale of the Null. All links will move together, creating a unified chain animation. Step 8: Preview and Finalize

Press Spacebar to preview your animation. Tweak lighting, bevels, or timing until the chain looks smooth and realistic.Conclusion

Animating chain links in After Effects is surprisingly simple once you understand how to combine shape layers, extrusion, lighting, and a parented Null for unified motion. By duplicating and rotating a single 3D link, you can build chains of any length and animate them realistically without external 3D software. Experiment with different bevel settings, lighting types, and motion curves to achieve the exact style you want for your project.