The launch of After Effects 2018 marks a significant milestone for Adobe. This update is brimming with innovative features aimed at overhauling the way we create animated graphics and videos.
You can take advantage of enhanced tools, improved performance, and many other cool innovations. Generally, After Effects 2018 offers manifold functionalities you can use to create projects that stand out from the crowd.
Before I switched to After Effects 2018, I mainly used After Effects CC 2017. However, the program often disappointed me with performance issues and a limited feature set. Besides, the older version struggled to handle demanding tasks, e.g., rendering complex 3D elements and compositions.
After Effects 2018 has brought many cool features to the table. It provides quicker render times, smoother previews, and enhanced 3D capabilities. I particularly like new Advanced Motion Graphics Templates and the integration of Adobe Sensei. Using these functions, I can automate repetitive tasks and generally expedite my workflow.
✔️ Performance boost: The developers did their best to optimize working speed in After Effects 2018. Now, you can handle complex projects fast. The improved rendering pipeline has a direct impact on wait times, ensuring smoother playback and faster previews. Besides, you won’t experience any speed drops during the real-time editing and can meet tight deadlines without compromising quality. This is surely terrific news for people, who deal with high-resolution VFX and intricate compositions.
✔️ Advanced tools for motion graphics and 3D: Another reason to download After Effect CC 2018 is the access to advanced Motion Graphics templates. Using them, you can rapidly produce and personalize animations for a professional polished look.
The 3D camera tracking feature has also undergone an efficient improvement. Now, it works more precisely when it comes to blending 3D assets into live-action shots. As a result, you can achieve stunning animated graphics and visual effects with less time and effort.
✔️ Streamlined collaboration with Creative Cloud libraries: The latest update to After Effects 2018 has also brought integration with Adobe Creative Cloud Libraries. Therefore, it has become easier to share and synchronize assets across multiple Adobe software. Teams can work more collaboratively, ensuring they are on the same page concerning the look and feel of their projects.
✔️ Enhanced GPU acceleration: After Effects 2018 guarantees a smoother, more efficient workflow with its improved GPU acceleration. This means you'll spend less time waiting for renders and more time creating stunning visuals. Whether you're working on a simple animation or a complex visual effect, the software delivers the performance you need.
❌ Occasional bugs with large compositions: After Effects 2018 has made strides in terms of speed. Unfortunately, it still remains prone to unexpected errors, especially when handling complex projects with 3D elements or heavy graphics.
Under heavy load, the software may freeze or slow down. It is true that the overall performance has improved, but developers have to concentrate on the program’s weak points, namely the tasks that push the software to its limits.
❌ Steep learning curve: Based on my experience, I can say that After Effects 2018 is more user-friendly than earlier versions. Still, beginners need to spend some time to master it. The UI is rather complex. Besides, it is coupled with new features and advanced tools such as 3D camera tracking and motion graphics templates, so the overall get-used-to process can feel daunting. Users without prior experience should be patient when learning the program.
Once I was done with After Effects 2018 testing, I could name several areas that called for improvement:
If you are on a tight budget but still want to produce top-notch animation and visual effects, you should consider some free alternatives to After Effects 2018. These programs can be a great starting point for creating dynamic graphics without spending much.
After comparing Blender vs After Effects, I’ve learned that Blender is a powerful, open-source alternative to the Adobe software. It's a comprehensive 3D creation tool that allows you to model, animate, and render visuals. Many users think that Blender is mainly suitable for 3D, but it also offers robust video editing and compositing features. Thus, you can use it to create complex visual effects and motion graphics. While it has a steeper learning curve compared to some tools, it is versatile and free. These are important factors for experts and beginners alike.
FXhome by Artlist is a fantastic free VFX software that you can use instead of After Effects 2018. This software offers a wide array of tools for video editing and visual effects, including particle effects, color grading, and 3D manipulation. FXhome by Artlist has an intuitive interface, so both beginners and experienced editors can easily master it. Although the free version is packed with features, you can unlock even more creative possibilities by purchasing additional add-ons.
If you're looking for free and open-source compositing software to create VFX, Natron is worth considering. It's similar to After Effects, but offers a node-based workflow and a comprehensive set of tools for compositing, color correction, and working with both 2D and 3D elements. While it may not offer the same freedom of making animation features as the Adobe software, Natron is a robust choice for many compositing tasks.
OpenShot is a beginner-friendly, open-source video editor that simplifies the process of creating animated graphics. It includes basic animation tools and a clean interface, making it a great alternative to more complex programs like After Effects. Whether you're adding titles, effects, or creating simple animations, OpenShot offers a straightforward approach.
Those searching for professional-grade video editing software without breaking the bank should take a closer look at DaVinci Resolve's free version. It provides a comprehensive set of tools, including color correction, video editing, and Fusion (a built-in visual effects compositor). However, since the program includes many powerful features, especially for high-resolution work, it may require a more robust system. This is one of the most important differences I discovered when comparing DaVinci Resolve vs After Effects.
