8 Best After Effects Plugins

1. Motion Boutique Newton 4

Motion Boutique’s Newton 4 is a groundbreaking After Effects plugin that revolutionises the way animators approach physics-based simulations within the software. Newton 3 brings the power of real-world physics to the digital realm, enabling users to create realistic and dynamic motion graphics with unprecedented ease. The plugin introduces a robust physics engine, allowing for the simulation of gravity, collisions, and various forces directly within After Effects, eliminating the need for complex external software.

With an intuitive interface, Newton 4 facilitates the creation of complex animations, including simulations of cloth, liquid, or intricate mechanical interactions. Its seamless integration into After Effects provides a streamlined workflow, empowering motion designers to achieve intricate and lifelike animations without leaving their familiar environment. Newton 4 has become a go-to tool for animators seeking to elevate their projects with dynamic and physics-driven motion graphics, marking it as an indispensable asset in the motion design toolkit.

PRICE: $249.99
Purchase Newton 4: https://aescripts.com/newton/

2. Animation Composer (Mister Horse)

Animation Composer, a plugin designed for Adobe After Effects, stands as an indispensable tool for motion designers seeking efficiency and creativity in their projects. Developed by Mister Horse, this plugin streamlines the animation process, offering a comprehensive library of preset animations, effects, and transitions that can be easily applied to layers within After Effects. With a user-friendly interface, Animation Composer provides quick access to a vast array of professionally crafted motion presets, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual keyframing. This plugin not only enhances productivity but also sparks creativity, allowing designers to experiment with dynamic animations and transitions effortlessly. Its versatility and time-saving features make Animation Composer a valuable asset for After Effects users in the UK and beyond, empowering them to bring their creative visions to life with ease.

PRICE: Free with subscription options
Purchase Animation Composer: https://misterhorse.com/animation-composer

3. Video Copilot

The Video Copilot website, spearheaded by the visionary Andrew Kramer, is a treasure trove for motion designers and visual effects enthusiasts alike. Renowned for its cutting-edge tutorials and innovative tools, Video Copilot offers a range of plugins that have become industry standards. Notably, Element 3D revolutionises 3D motion graphics within After Effects, providing a seamless bridge between 3D software and the familiar After Effects environment. Optical Flares, another flagship plugin, has established itself as a go-to tool for creating realistic lens flares, adding a cinematic touch to animations. Additionally, Saber, a free plugin, empowers designers to generate stunning light effects, enhancing the visual impact of their projects. These plugins showcase Video Copilot’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s achievable in motion design, making their website an essential destination for professionals and enthusiasts looking to elevate their creative capabilities.

PRICE: Free and various prices
Visit VideoCopilot: https://www.videocopilot.net

4. Plexus (Rowbyte)

The Rowbyte Plexus plugin for Adobe After Effects is a dynamic and versatile tool that has become a staple for motion designers and visual effects artists. Plexus excels in creating intricate and mesmerizing visualisations by generating complex particle systems and dynamic connections between individual elements. It introduces a unique way to manipulate and animate particles, allowing for the creation of futuristic and abstract designs. With its node-based interface, Plexus provides an intuitive and flexible environment for users to customize and fine-tune their visual effects.

Whether designers are aiming to craft intricate motion graphics, data visualizations, or stunning abstract animations, Plexus empowers them to achieve a high level of complexity and sophistication within the After Effects platform. Its capabilities in seamlessly blending 3D and 2D elements make it an essential plugin for those seeking to push the boundaries of creativity in motion design.

PRICE: ¢249
Visit Plexus: https://www.rowbyte.com/plexus

5. Red Giant Complete (Maxon)

The Red Giant Complete plugin suite for Adobe After Effects stands as a comprehensive toolkit that elevates the capabilities of motion designers and visual effects artists. Notably, the suite includes the acclaimed Trapcode Particular plugin, allowing users to create complex particle systems with unparalleled control and flexibility. This plugin is instrumental in crafting realistic explosions, fire, rain, and other dynamic visual elements. Additionally, the suite features Universe, a collection of versatile plugins that expand the creative possibilities within After Effects. With Universe, designers can access a wide range of effects, transitions, and text generation tools, enabling them to infuse their projects with cinematic flair and professional polish. Red Giant Complete’s commitment to innovation and user-friendly interfaces positions it as an indispensable asset for those looking to amplify their creative potential in motion design.

Within the Red Giant Complete suite, the Magic Bullet Looks plugin adds a cinematic touch to projects by providing a powerful color grading toolset. This plugin allows designers to achieve a polished and cohesive visual style, enhancing the overall aesthetic of their animations. Red Giant’s commitment to offering a comprehensive suite of plugins ensures that motion designers have a versatile and integrated solution for their creative needs, providing an efficient and dynamic workflow within the Adobe After Effects environment.

PRICE: Various different subscription packages
Visit Plexus: https://www.maxon.net/en/red-giant

6. DUIK Angela (RX Laboratory)

The DUIK (DuDuF IK Tools) animation toolkit for Adobe After Effects is a comprehensive and powerful set of tools designed to streamline character rigging and animation within the After Effects environment. Developed by Nicolas Dufresne, DUIK has become an industry-standard plugin for animators, offering advanced features for creating complex character animations. It provides an intuitive rigging system with Inverse Kinematics (IK), allowing users to create natural and dynamic movements for characters. DUIK includes a range of modules for automating tasks such as walk cycles, lip syncing, and puppet animation, significantly reducing the time and effort required for character animation projects. With its versatility, user-friendly interface, and constant updates, DUIK remains an essential toolkit for animators and motion designers looking to bring characters to life seamlessly within Adobe After Effects.

PRICE: Free with donation option
Visit Plexus: https://rxlaboratory.org/tools/duik-angela/

7. Boris FX

The Boris FX Plugin suite for After Effects is a comprehensive and sophisticated collection of visual effects and motion graphics tools, widely embraced by designers and filmmakers for its versatility and professional-grade features. This suite includes renowned plugins like Continuum, Sapphire, and Mocha, each offering a distinct set of capabilities. Continuum provides a diverse range of visual effects filters and transitions, empowering users to enhance their projects with cinematic flair. Sapphire, known for its advanced lens flare and lighting effects, adds a touch of visual sophistication to compositions. Mocha, a planar tracking and masking tool, facilitates seamless integration of visual effects into footage. With an array of plugins catering to various aspects of post-production, the Boris FX Plugin suite stands as an indispensable resource for After Effects users in the UK, offering the tools needed to elevate the quality and creativity of their visual projects.

PRICE: Annual subscription: $1295
Visit Plexus: https://borisfx.com/products/bfxsuite/

8. FxFactory

The FxFactory plugin suite for After Effects is a robust and diverse collection of visual effects and motion graphics tools, widely embraced for its versatility and professional-grade features. Developed with a focus on user-friendly interfaces and powerful performance, FxFactory offers a range of plugins that cater to different creative needs. From titling and transitions to stylized effects, the suite provides a comprehensive toolkit for enhancing and elevating video projects within the After Effects environment. With its modular structure, FxFactory allows users to easily manage and access various plugins, ensuring a seamless workflow for both beginners and seasoned motion designers. FxFactory stands as a valuable asset for After Effects users in the UK, providing an extensive range of creative possibilities to enhance the visual appeal and quality of their projects.

PRICE: ¢399
Visit Plexus: https://fxfactory.com/

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