In this tutorial I'll show you how to create an 8K environment map—entirely in After Effects—using the plugin Skybox, by Mettle. You can download a free trial of Skybox and follow along with the tutorial.

These custom environment maps can then be used with various 3D plugins and software, such as Element 3D, ShapeShifter AE, or programs such as 3DS Max or Cinema 4D.

Download the project file for this tutorial to get three environment maps created using this technique. The environment maps are free to use in commercial and personal work you create.