Favorite After Effects Plugins

I've had the privilege of working on some incredible projects. Throughout my journey, I’ve discovered a handful of After Effects plugins that I simply can’t live without. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting in the world of motion graphics and visual effects, these tools can elevate your work and make your creative process smoother. So, let’s dive into my top picks!

1. Deep Glow

If you’re looking for a way to make your visuals pop, Deep Glow is a must-have. This plugin provides a stunning glow effect that’s incredibly easy to use. What I love about it is that it manages to create depth in your effects without washing out your colors. It’s perfect for adding that extra layer of magic to titles, transitions, or any element that needs a little sparkle. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself using it in almost every project. https://aescripts.com/deep-glow/

2. Element 3D

Element 3D is a game-changer for anyone working in the realm of 3D graphics. This plugin allows you to import 3D models directly into After Effects and manipulate them as if they were native layers. As someone who has worked extensively with 3D animation and visual effects, I can’t stress enough how much time this tool saves. The ability to create stunning 3D visuals without needing to switch between multiple software is a huge win. Plus, it integrates seamlessly with other plugins, allowing you to enhance your 3D elements with effects from other tools in your arsenal. https://www.videocopilot.net/products/element2/

3. VC Color Vibrance

When it comes to color grading, VC Color Vibrance is my go-to plugin. It gives you control over the vibrancy of colors in your footage, allowing you to create striking visuals without losing detail. I often use it to make certain elements stand out or to enhance the overall mood of a scene. It’s especially useful in animation, where vibrant colors can really bring characters and environments to life. https://www.videocopilot.net/tutorials/color_vibrance_plug-in/

4. VC Console

I’m all about efficiency, and VC Console is a fantastic plugin that helps streamline my workflow. This tool provides a customizable control panel for your After Effects projects, allowing for quick adjustments and access to frequently used effects. It’s an excellent way to keep your workspace organized and tailored to your specific needs. https://www.videocopilot.net/blog/2018/05/fx-console-updated-to-v1-0-3/

5. Magic Bullet Looks

The Looks plugin is a classic for a reason. It’s perfect for color grading and adding cinematic feels to your projects. With a wide range of presets and customizable options, you can really dial in the look you want, whether it’s a moody atmosphere or a vibrant, sunny day. I often use it to give my animations that extra cinematic flair. https://www.maxon.net/en/cinema-4d/features/magic-bullet-looks

6. Red Giant Particular

No list of After Effects plugins would be complete without Particular from Red Giant. This particle generator is incredibly powerful and can create stunning visual effects, from realistic smoke to dazzling fireworks. The level of control you have over the particles is fantastic, allowing for intricate designs that can elevate your animations to a whole new level. https://www.maxon.net/en/red-giant/trapcode/particular

7. Red Giant Form

Another gem from Red Giant, Form allows you to create 3D particle grids and shapes, transforming simple elements into complex animations. This plugin is perfect for creating abstract backgrounds or visualizing data in a dynamic way. With Form, you can take your particle animations to the next level and add depth to your projects. https://www.maxon.net/en/red-giant/trapcode/form

8. Simple Choker & Simple Key

For those of us who deal with keying and masking the Simple Choker and Simple Key plugins are essential and are native to AE. Simple Choker allows you to refine your edges when keying out backgrounds, making it easier to create clean, seamless composites. Simple Key is another tool that enhances your keying workflow, helping to mitigate issues with green screen shots. These plugins so simple, but have saved me countless hours in post.

9. My Own Presets

Over the years, I’ve developed a ton of my own presets that I rely on for various effects and transitions. Custom presets are a game-changer, allowing you to maintain consistency across your projects while saving time. Whether it’s a specific glow, color grade, or animation style, having a library of your own creations can be invaluable.

10. Trapcode Suite, Universe, Boris, Maxon, Sapphire

Lastly, I can’t forget to mention some other fantastic plugins that I often turn to, including Trapcode Suite for particle and motion graphics, Universe for a wide array of creative effects, Boris FX for its powerful tools in compositing and image restoration, Maxon for practical color grading, and Sapphire for high-quality effects and transitions. Each of these plugins brings something unique to the table and can help push your projects to the next level.

In the fast-paced world of animation and visual effects, having the right tools can make all the difference. These After Effects plugins have been integral to my workflow as a Technical Director, helping me create thousands of theatrical-quality visuals. Whether you’re working on a big-budget film or a personal project, I encourage you to explore these plugins and see how they can enhance your work.

For more on my work and to see these plugins in action, check out my reels