Sometimes, Element 3D fails to automatically write the license file to your disk because your user account lacks write permissions for the system's ProgramData or Application Support folders.

Element 3D by Video Copilot is a powerhouse plugin for Adobe After Effects, enabling blazing-fast, real-time 3D rendering directly within your motion graphics workflow. Whether you are creating stunning 3D text, complex motion graphics, or integrating 3D models into live-action footage, Element 3D is an industry standard.

If After Effects asks you to reactivate Element 3D every time you open it, your system is failing to save the license file.

In the Element License window, click the button.

Now that you have the .license file, return to your offline editing computer to complete the activation.

A: No. Once loaded, Element 3D writes activation data to your system registry (Windows) or plist (Mac). You can delete the .vid file safely.

: Right-click the After Effects shortcut and select Run as Administrator before attempting to log in and activate the plugin.

There are two primary methods to install and activate your Element 3D license file: (automatic) and Offline Activation (manual). Method 1: Automatic Online Activation (Recommended)