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#5

After Effects is ranked #5 on the top 10 Video Editing Software leaderboard based on a comprehensive analysis performed by SelectHub research analysts. Compare the leaders with our In-Depth Report.

After Effects Pricing

Based on our most recent analysis, After Effects pricing starts at $21 (Monthly).

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Starting From
$20.99
Pricing Model
Monthly
Free Trial
Yes, Request for Free

Training Resources

After Effects is supported with the following types of training:

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars

Support

The following support services are available for After Effects:

Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Help Desk
Knowledge Base
Tickets
Training
24/7 Live Support

After Effects Benefits and Insights

Why use After Effects?

Key differentiators & advantages of After Effects

  • Enhanced Creativity: After Effects allows users to create stunning visual effects and motion graphics, enabling limitless creative possibilities for video projects.
  • Professional Quality: The software provides industry-standard tools and effects, ensuring high-quality output suitable for professional use in film, television, and online media.
  • Time Efficiency: With features like precompositions and templates, After Effects helps streamline workflows, saving valuable time during the production process.
  • Seamless Integration: After Effects integrates smoothly with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications, such as Premiere Pro and Photoshop, facilitating a cohesive and efficient editing experience.
  • Advanced Animation Capabilities: The software offers robust animation tools, including keyframing and expressions, allowing for precise control over motion and timing.
  • Extensive Plugin Support: A wide range of third-party plugins are available, expanding the functionality of After Effects and enabling specialized effects and workflows.
  • Comprehensive Tutorials and Community Support: A wealth of tutorials and a strong user community provide ample resources for learning and troubleshooting, making it easier to master the software.
  • Customizable Workspaces: Users can tailor the interface to their specific needs, optimizing their workspace for different tasks and improving overall productivity.
  • Dynamic Link Feature: The Dynamic Link feature allows for real-time updates between After Effects and Premiere Pro, eliminating the need for intermediate rendering and enhancing project efficiency.
  • Versatile Output Options: After Effects supports a variety of output formats and codecs, ensuring compatibility with different platforms and distribution channels.
  • Powerful Tracking and Stabilization: The software includes advanced tracking and stabilization tools, such as the Warp Stabilizer, which help achieve smooth and steady footage.
  • Rich Text Animation: After Effects offers extensive text animation options, enabling the creation of dynamic and engaging title sequences and lower thirds.
  • 3D Compositing: The ability to work with 3D layers and cameras allows for complex compositing and the creation of immersive visual effects.
  • Expression Language: The built-in expression language enables users to automate repetitive tasks and create complex animations with minimal effort.
  • Color Correction and Grading: After Effects provides powerful color correction and grading tools, allowing for precise color adjustments and the creation of specific visual moods.

Industry Expertise

After Effects is a popular tool for professionals in industries like film and television, digital marketing, web design, and video editing. It's particularly well-suited for individuals who create animations, visual effects, and motion graphics, as well as those who work with typography and title sequences.

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Based on an aggregate of After Effects reviews taken from the sources above, the following pros & cons have been curated by a SelectHub Market Analyst.

Pros

  • Industry Standard: After Effects is widely used in the motion graphics and VFX industry, making it a desirable skill for freelancers and potential employees.
  • Feature Rich: The software offers a deep well of tools for compositing, animation, and visual effects, allowing users to tackle a wide range of creative projects.
  • Adobe Integration: After Effects works seamlessly with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications, streamlining workflows for users already familiar with programs like Premiere Pro.

Cons

  • Performance Issues: Even with powerful computers, After Effects can be slow, especially with complex projects, leading to frustrating delays in workflow.
  • Steep Learning Curve: The software's complexity and wide array of features make it challenging for new users to learn, requiring significant time investment to become proficient.

Researcher's Summary:

What are the after effects of using After Effects, according to users? After Effects continues to be a powerhouse for motion graphics and visual effects, garnering praise for its deep feature set and tight integration with other Adobe products, which is essential for industry-standard workflows. However, a recurring gripe among users, particularly those working on high-end machines, is its sluggish performance, especially when tackling complex projects. Despite this drawback, After Effects remains a top choice for crafting intricate animations and visual effects, outshining competitors like DaVinci Resolve's Fusion, which is considered slower for motion graphics.

While alternatives like Cavalry offer a more modern, node-based approach with faster rendering, they lack the extensive tutorial ecosystem that After Effects boasts. HitFilm, with its free version, provides a decent selection of VFX tools, making it a budget-friendly option, but it falls short of After Effects' professional-grade capabilities. Ultimately, After Effects is best suited for seasoned creatives and professionals who demand a comprehensive toolset for motion graphics and visual effects and can navigate its demanding performance requirements.

Key Features

Notable After Effects features include:

  • Advanced Keying: Utilize tools like Keylight for precise green screen removal and color keying.
  • Motion Tracking: Track and stabilize motion with built-in tools such as the 3D Camera Tracker and Warp Stabilizer.
  • Expressions: Automate animations and effects using JavaScript-based expressions for dynamic and complex motion graphics.
  • Compositing: Combine multiple layers of video, images, and effects seamlessly to create intricate visual compositions.
  • 3D Rendering: Integrate 3D elements into your projects with Cinema 4D Lite and the native 3D rendering engine.
  • Precompositions: Organize and manage complex projects by nesting compositions within each other.
  • Effects and Presets: Access a vast library of built-in effects and customizable presets to enhance your projects.
  • Masking and Rotoscoping: Create precise masks and use the Roto Brush tool for detailed rotoscoping tasks.
  • Color Correction: Adjust and enhance colors with tools like Lumetri Color for professional-grade color grading.
  • Audio Editing: Sync and edit audio tracks directly within After Effects, including basic audio effects and keyframing.
  • Integration with Adobe Suite: Seamlessly work with other Adobe applications like Premiere Pro, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
  • Render Queue: Manage and export multiple compositions with customizable render settings and output modules.
  • Plugins and Scripts: Extend functionality with third-party plugins and user-created scripts for specialized tasks.
  • Template Creation: Design reusable templates for consistent branding and streamlined workflows.
  • Time Remapping: Manipulate the timing of your footage with precision using time remapping and frame blending techniques.
  • Shape Layers: Create and animate vector-based shapes directly within After Effects for scalable and editable graphics.
  • Text Animation: Animate text with a variety of presets and customizable options for dynamic typography.
  • Parenting and Nesting: Link layers together for coordinated animations and organize complex projects efficiently.
  • GPU Acceleration: Leverage GPU acceleration for faster rendering and real-time previews, enhancing productivity.
  • Content-Aware Fill: Remove unwanted objects from your footage with the Content-Aware Fill feature, powered by Adobe Sensei.
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