Hot After Effects How-Tos
How To: Render out normals in Cinema 4D, Modo, After Effects
After Effects allows you to do all sorts of amazing things to your videos and images, but it cannot do it all alone. This video will show you how to use an After Effects plugin called Normality 3 to make lighting adjustments to 3D assets on the fly, having already rendered out a normal pass using either Cinema 4D or Modo (you can use other 3D software too, but those two are both shown as examples in the video). It will also demonstrate how to render out the normal passes.
How To: Warp time in Adobe After Effects CS5
Want to slow down or speed up a clip after the fact? Whether you're new to Adobe's popular motion graphics and compositing software or a seasoned video professional just looking to better acquaint yourself with CS5's new features, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, and to get started manipulating time in your own AE projects, watch this free video guide.
How To: Create a cross-processed LOMO effect in After Effects
Give a vintage look to your footage similar to that obtained from LOMO Cameras. Originally LOMO cameras are still cameras that are used for causal cheap photography. But the photographs obtained from such cameras have a unique look to it. In this tutorial you will learn to digitally manipulate cross-processed LOMO effect and add it to your video footage.
How To: Use Trapcode Sound Keys After Effects plugin
Sound Keys is a keyframe generator plug-in for Adobe After Effects. Learn how to visually select parts of an audio track and convert that audio into keyframes. TrapCode Sound Keys After Effects plugin is great for audio-intensive animations. See how to use it in this tutorial. Use Trapcode Sound Keys After Effects plugin.
How To: Import images with transparency into After Effects
In this software tutorial you will learn how to manipulate images in Photoshop to remove the background and then bring that transparent background image into After Effects without loosing the transparency. The Photoshop section covers the use of the Magnetic Lasso tool and Quick Mask to remove a background. With the image adjusted, you will learn how to import your new image into After Effects with preserved transparency.
How To: Enhance footage in After Effects
This instructional video will teach you how to enhance your footage [remove grain, bring out more color] with after effects. So enjoy this tutorial, and you don't need any additional plug ins, just the built in tools of after effects.
How To: Recover corrupt After Effects files & import projects
In this tutorial, Aharon Rabinowitz shares tips on the many uses of importing After Effects Projects, and how you can recover corrupt AE files. Recover corrupt After Effects files & import projects.
How To: Build and animate a CG snake in After Effects
In this video tutorial, Jerzy Drozda Jr demonstrates how to create a dynamic animation based on a 'chain rig'. You'll learn how to animate one layer using keyframes, expressions, or both, and make other layers follow the leading layer. The rest of this After Effects tutorial is about texturing and making the final look. Project files are included on the video link page. Build and animate a CG snake in After Effects.
How To: Use the Twixtor Pro plug-in to create slow motion in After Effects
This tutorial demonstrates how Twixtor Pro can be used to create slow motion special effects when editing video in After Effects. Learn beginner to intermediate VFX, specifically slowing down footage shot at a very high shutter speed. Twixtor allows the user to manage blur and warping when creating a slow motion effect.
How To: Make a 3D holographic iPhone in After Effects
Learn how to create a video of holographic images appearing from an iPhone, using video footage and After Effects software. The basic elements used here are the built-in motion tracker (although you can also use the Mocha tracker bundled with CS4) and creating icons within After Effects with simple partially-transparent solids.
How To: Use the Aged Film plugin for After Effects to give an antique feel to film
You can take a piece of completely modern digital footage and give it an aged, antique feel! You will need the Aged Film plugin for Adobe After Effects, which lets you create the sepia tone and flickering, variable speed look of antique film clips.
How To: Use FreeForm to simulate flowing cloth or ribbon in After Effects
You can use the FreeForm plugin to create the look of cloth blowing in the wind - like an animated ribbon, or a banner waving in the wind. The key is in designing the displacement map to get a truly realistic effect.
How To: How Did He Do That?
I asked Cyriak Harris, a freelance animator from the UK, to reveal a few secrets on how he made his trippy, forever-multiplying hand fingers:
How To: Create animated frozen titles in After Effects
This After Effects tutorial will show how to create a nice, smooth animated text effect, which turns your icy font into a frozen font. This is a great animation that can be easily learned, whether you're an AE pro or novice. Laurence Grayson chills out as he shows you how to create this ice texture effect, glassy text and a frozen text animation - all using just the standard effects that come in CS3, CS4 or CS5.
How To: Create a rusty, grungy checker plate texture in After Effects
You may not recognize the term "checker plate", but you've more than likely encountered it many times before. It's more commonly referred to as "diamond plate" and is the hardwearing, lightweight, non-slip metal stock with raised diamonds (or lines) that frequently adorn flight cases, stage decking and metal stair treads. This video will show you how to recreate that grungy look in After Effects.
How To: Control time with audio in Trapcode Sound Keys for Adobe After Effects
In this video tutorial, you'll learn how to use Trapcode Sound Keys to control a video clip with an audio source — a song, for example — within Adobe After Effects. For all of the particulars, and to get started using this effect in your own projects, take a look! Control time with audio in Trapcode Sound Keys for Adobe After Effects - Part 1 of 2.
How To: Create a Star Trek-style transporter effect in Adobe After Effects
In this clip, you'll learn how to use the Key Correct Pro, Knoll Light Factory Pro, Magic Bullet Looks and Trapcode Particular plug-ins in Adobe After Effects to create a sci-fi transformer effect. Whether you're new to Adobe's popular motion graphics and compositing software or a seasoned video professional just looking to better acquaint yourself with the program and its various features and filters, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, including detai...
How To: Corner pin a video with the Mocha 3D tracking tool in Adobe After Effects CS5
Learn how to corner pin a video onto an iPod, mobile phone, TV or monitor with the Mocha 3D tracking tool in Adobe After Effects CS4 or CS5. Whether you're new to Adobe's popular motion graphics and compositing software or a seasoned video professional just looking to better acquaint yourself with the program and its various features and filters, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this free video guide.
How To: Get rid of edge seams in Adobe After Effects
Interested in getting rid of edge seams within Adobe After Effects? This video guide will show you how it's done. Whether you're new to Adobe's popular compositing editor or just want to better acquaint yourself with the popular video editing program, you're sure to benefit from this video tutorial. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this tutorial.
How To: Simulate camera movement in After Effects
Shooting good footage with handheld cameras that wiggle, bounce, and fall onto rocks on a regular basis is tough. Sometimes, though, you may want to make it appear as if film that you've shot with tripods and such was actually shot with a handheld, like in some horror films. This video will show you how to create a fake camera movement effect in After Effects, giving your professionally-shot film just enough of that vérité quality.
How To: Import footage into PFTrack and export it to Cinema 4D
In this tutorial, you'll see how easy it is to bring your footage into PFTrack and then quickly take that data into Cinema 4D to begin to add your elements. Whether you're new to MAXON's popular 3D modeling application or are just looking to get better acquainted with Cinema 4D and its various features and functions, you're sure to enjoy this free video software tutorial. For more information, including complete instructions, watch this 3D modeler's guide.
How To: Make a moving curtain animation within After Effects
Check out this tutorial of how to create moving curtains in After Effects. You create a set of curtains that opens up to reveal footage placed behind it. You can render the clip out with an alpha channel and always have a curtains clip ready to reveal some footage. Whether you're new to Adobe's popular motion graphics and compositing software or a seasoned video professional just looking to better acquaint yourself with the program and its various features and filters, you're sure to be well ...
How To: Create a nuclear blast on 2D surface in After Effects
Not TOO many Western people want to see the United States nuked into the stone age. Some do, but not too many. Now you can simulate the effect on your computer! This video will show you how to use After Effects to simulate the effect of a nuclear blast or other major explosive catastrophe on a map of the US in 2D. This effect is used in many video games and movies, so master it yourself and we promise that you'll find cause to use it again at some point.
How To: Create a smoldering text effect in Adobe After Effects
Looking for something dynamic and new for your After Effects work? In this clip, you'll see how to have elements come together in smokey bits again with no third party effects. Whether you're new to Adobe's popular motion graphics and compositing software or a seasoned video professional just looking to better acquaint yourself with the program and its various features and filters, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step ins...
How To: Create a gradient wipe effect in Premiere Pro CS4/CS5
Learn how to create an eye-catching gradient wipe transition effect within Adobe Premiere Pro CS4 or CS5. Whether you're new to Adobe's popular non-linear editor or a seasoned video professional just looking to better acquaint yourself with the program and its various features and filters, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this free video guide.
How To: Make a CCTV monitor effect in After Effects
CCTV's (closed-circuit televisions) are more common than ever before, and have become more and more popular to depict in films and in video games like Manhunt. This video will teach you how to create a CCTV monitor effect akin to what a security guard would see on their camera monitor using After Effects. This will work great for any horror movie that you might be shooting, the effect is very creepy.
How To: Composite green screen shots with Maya, After Effects
Compositing green screen images with images from other sources is the most important part of using a green screen. This video will teach you how to composite a green screen element with a 3D stage created using Maya in After Effects. The end result looks very professional, and your videos will as well after you apply the lessons from this video.
How To: Create a peel-away vortex transition in After Effects
In this clip, Aharon Rabinowitz shows you how to create a fun peel-away vortex transition for text and other elements. Whether you're new to Adobe's popular motion graphics and compositing software or a seasoned video professional just looking to better acquaint yourself with the program and its various features and filters, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this free video guide. Create a peel-away...
How To: Create simple animations in Adobe After Effects CS4
This basic training video will help to get you up and running creating your own custom animations in After Effects CS4. Whether you're new to Adobe's popular motion graphics and compositing software or a seasoned video professional just looking to better acquaint yourself with the program and its various features and filters, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this free video guide.
How To: Stabilize video in After Effects CS4
Want to smooth out shaky footage? With After Effects CS4, it's easy. Whether you're new to Adobe's popular motion graphics and compositing software or a seasoned video professional just looking to better acquaint yourself with CS4 particular features, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, and to get started stabilizing sub-ideal clips in your own After Effects CS4, watch this free video guide.
How To: Use the Roto Brush tool in After Effects CS5
Learn how to use the Roto Brush tool in After Effects CS5. Whether you're new to Adobe's popular motion graphics and compositing software or a seasoned video professional just looking to better acquaint yourself with CS5's new features, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, watch this free video guide.
How To: Create and use lens flares in Adobe After Effects CS5
Want to add a lens flare effect to a video sequence? With Adobe After Effects CS5, it's quite easy. Whether you're new to Adobe's popular motion graphics and compositing software or a seasoned video professional just looking to better acquaint yourself with CS5's new features, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, and to get started using lens flares in your own AE projects, watch this free video guide.
How To: Make a building explode in After Effects
This video shows you how to create a building explosion (more specifically, the Statue of Liberty) in Adobe After Effects in less than ten minutes. The smoke and fire are downloaded separately, while the shattering of the statue is created in After Effects. First, duplicate the layers into what will and what will not explode, then create a mask around each one. Then, set the shatter effect to the exploding layer. Set the shape pattern to glass to make it more realistic. Also, you can raise th...
How To: Add camera movement to a still image in After Effects
In this video, viewers learn how to add realistic camera movement to a still image using Adobe After Effects CS4. Adobe After Effects is a digital motion graphics and compositing software. This tutorial will go over how to add realistic camera movement to a still image or photo and make it seem that it is an actually video. This tutorial will also teach viewers about motion tracking and basic chroma keying. This video will benefit viewers who enjoy producing videos and creating special effects.
How To: Get hit by a car in Adobe After Effects
In this video tutorial, viewers will learn how to create the visual effect of being hit by a car, using Adobe After Effects. Adobe After Effects is a digital motion graphics and compositing software. This is not recommended for beginners. This video will show viewers how to make the effect of getting hit by a car and adding realistic camera movement to it to make it believable and convincing. This video will benefit those viewers who enjoy movie making and producing visual special effects.
How To: Warp, deform, & explode 3D text in After Affects
In this Boris FX video tutorial we show you how to employ the power of vertex shaders to warp, deform and even explode 3D extruded text using Adobe After Effects and the new 3D Objects from Boris Continuum Complete 6 AE.
How To: Remove chromatic aberration in Adobe After Effects
In this tutorial, Creative Cow contributing editor Carl Larsen shows you how to remove chromatic aberration from your footage using Adobe After Effects. If you are wondering what chromatic aberration is, don't worry he explains that too.
How To: Create an animated butterfly in Adobe After Effects
In this two-part tutorial, J. Schuh demonstrates how to animate a layered image of a butterfly using After Effects CS4.
How To: Use Knoll Light Factory Pro After Effects plugin
This software tutorial shows you how to use the Knoll Light Factory Pro plug-in for After Effects. Knoll Light Factory Pro is the industry's favorite tool for creating lens flares, sunsets, photon torpedoes, stars and other effects. It offers a custom lens editor, auto tracking, alpha channel support, and pinpoint control over dozens of settings. If you haven't used the Knoll Light Factory Pro plug-in yet, watch this After Effects tutorial and get started.
How To: Use layer maps in Trapcode Form in After Effects
This software tutorial shows you how to use layer masks in Trapcode Form, a plug-in for After Effects. Trapcode Form helps you bend nature to your will by creating flame, smoke and other organic 3D shapes — and then synchronize it with your favorite audio. Learn how to work with layer maps in Form to create these organic effects in After Effects. Use layer maps in Trapcode Form in After Effects.