In this in-depth guide, explore the top 10 After Effects plugins that will significantly enhance your animated video projects, including 2D explainer videos and animated explainer videos. Whether you're a seasoned animator or just starting out, these essential tools will boost your workflow, add stunning effects and streamline your animation process.
Introduction
After Effects, the industry-leading software for motion graphics and visual effects, provides an incredible array of possibilities for animators and creative professionals. Whether you are crafting an animated explainer video or a 2D explainer video, After Effects empowers artists to bring their ideas to life with dynamic animations and striking visual effects. While the software itself is robust, its capabilities can be greatly expanded with the use of plugins. In this post we'll delve into a curated selection of the best After Effects plugins, featuring five free and five paid options, tailored to elevate your animated video projects.
Free plugins
Saber by Video Copilot
For creating captivating light effects in your animated explainer videos, Saber is an indispensable plugin. Particularly useful for motion graphics and sci-fi-themed animations, Saber comes with customisable presets and advanced features that allow users to generate intricate light sabers, energy beams and more. Add a futuristic flair to your 2D explainer videos.
Duik Bassel
Duik Bassel is a powerhouse rigging and animation toolset that simplifies the character animation process in After Effects, making it perfect for animated explainer videos. This free plugin offers a range of features that streamline the creation of complex character rigs and automate tedious animation tasks, giving you more time to focus on the creative aspects of your project.
Motion Factory by Pixflow
Motion Factory is a versatile plugin that offers access to an extensive library of motion graphics elements, including titles, backgrounds and transitions. Its user-friendly interface and seamless integration with After Effects make it an essential tool for enhancing the visual appeal of your animated videos.
FX Console by Video Copilot
FX Console is designed to streamline the application of effects and presets in After Effects, making it an invaluable plugin for anyone looking to improve their workflow. With its quick-access interface, FX Console allows you to search, apply and manage effects with minimal effort, saving you valuable time during the editing process of your animated explainer videos.
Colour Vibrance by Video Copilot
Colour Vibrance is a straightforward yet powerful plugin for enhancing the colour grading of your animated video projects. With vibrant colour presets and adjustable parameters, it helps you create dynamic, eye-catching visuals that will make your 2D explainer videos stand out, giving your videos the professional polish they deserve.
Paid plugins
Trapcode Suite by Red Giant
Trapcode Suite is a comprehensive set of plugins designed for creating complex motion graphics and visual effects in After Effects. Whether you're generating organic 3D particle systems or simulating realistic fluid dynamics, Trapcode Suite provides a wide array of tools to unleash your creativity in animated explainer videos.
Element 3D by Video Copilot
Element 3D revolutionises 3D compositing in After Effects by bringing high-quality 3D models and textures directly into the software. This plugin's real-time rendering engine and extensive shader options empower artists to create stunning 3D animations that elevate the look of animated videos, integrating impressive 3D elements into your explainer videos with ease.
Boris FX Sapphire
Renowned for its industry-leading visual effects and image processing capabilities, Boris FX Sapphire offers over 270 effects and presets that enable users to achieve professional-grade results. From stylised looks to photorealistic enhancements, Sapphire is a premium plugin suite perfect for refining the visual quality of your animated video projects.
Newton 3 by Motion Boutique
Newton 3 is a physics-based animation plugin that simulates realistic physics interactions within After Effects, making it an excellent choice for animators working on dynamic motion graphics and animated explainer videos. Whether you need to simulate gravity, collisions or other dynamics, Newton 3 provides the framework you need to add a layer of realism to your animations.
Overlord by Battle Axe
Overlord is a powerful plugin that bridges the gap between After Effects and Illustrator, allowing for seamless integration and transfer of vector shapes and artwork. It simplifies the process of importing Illustrator files into After Effects, preserving layers, masks and other attributes, making it easier to create animated explainer videos.
Conclusion
After Effects plugins offer a wealth of creative possibilities for enhancing your animated video projects, whether you are focusing on motion graphics, visual effects or character animation. Whether you choose free plugins to expand your toolkit or invest in premium options for advanced features and professional-grade results, incorporating these plugins into your After Effects workflow can elevate your 2D explainer videos and animated explainer videos to new heights of creativity and visual excellence.
If you're kitting out a workflow, our own After Effects freebies are free to download and sit alongside these nicely.