In the first two of three parts, we looked at two available options for motion graphics software.
On Monday, the series began by reviewing Apple Motion.
On Wednesday, the series continued with a look at Blender.
For a vast number of motion graphics software users, though, their choice for the software to use is Adobe After Effects. Let’s take a look at this third option.
After Effects, by far, has been the most fun software that I have played with.
Several years back, I decided that I wanted to edit full time, and when I started looking at job postings, I noticed 90 percent of the job requirements listed needing to have knowledge using Adobe After Effects.
So, what did I do? I went and learned After Effects.
After Effects, by far, has been the most fun software that I have played with. I currently edit using Adobe Premiere; which is great, because After Effects plays well with Premiere. I mean, they are both within the Adobe family, so why shouldn’t they?
I will say that I have heard from a few friends, who are strictly Final Cut editors, who have indicated that they sometimes have issues with After Effects playing nice with Final Cut; but again, if you’re looking at using After Effects, you’re probably already using Premiere.
Whether it is designing custom lower thirds, compositing video into virtual sets or building a fancy wedding montage, After Effects is my go-to software.
After Effects is a beast, in my opinion, compared to Motion. The way After Effects handles HD content is smooth; and depending the size of your project, the render time isn’t half bad. If you’re worried about a learning curve, this is another one of those situations where there isn’t a shortage of online tutorials, as well of thousands of customizable templates, that are readily available on websites like videohive.net or envato.com.
Most plugins include an installer that takes care of the install process, but if you have a plugin that is just an .aex file, it will need to be installed manually. Simply copy the .aex file into the After Effects Plug-ins folder. An example would be (C: Program Files/Adobe After Effects CC 2018/Support Files/Plug-ins/). Once the file is in the folder, you will need to start up After Effects, and if it’s an effect, it will be located under the “Effects” menu. Note that not all plug-ins are effects, so it could end up being nested within another menu.
One negative thing in my view is that Adobe After Effects has opted to now be purchased as part of a monthly subscription, currently $20 a month, and not a one-time flat fee for the software. However, with the subscription, you do get the latest updates, and for $50 a month, you get the entire Adobe Suite at your disposal.
After Effects does have the benefit of working on a PC or Mac and, also, comes with Cinema 4D. As described on Wikipedia, “Cinema 4D is a 3D modeling, animation, motion graphic and rendering application developed by MAXON Computer GmbH in Germany. It is capable of procedural and polygonal/subd modeling, animating, lighting, texturing, rendering, and common features found in 3D modeling applications.” So, if you’re looking to play around with animation, this may be a win-win for you.
Over the course of three parts, the review of Apple Motion, Blender and Adobe After Effects offers a glimpse at a few of the array of visual effects, compositing and motion graphic software that is available. Just like anything else in life, what works for me, may not work for you. Therefore, I highly recommend downloading the demos of any of the software you may be considering, before throwing money at the latest and greatest software out there.
Many companies just want to get their product into your hands, so if you’re a student, be sure to keep an eye out for those student discount rates.
Happy designing!