Top 7 must have plugins for After Effects for creating Video Art Visuals

Use this amazing After Effects plugins to create visuals and vj loops as New Media Artist Alexander Kuiava

In the dynamic realm of video artistry, the ability to transcend creative boundaries and bring visionary concepts to life is a pursuit that demands the right set of tools. For After Effects enthusiasts seeking to elevate their visual storytelling, plugins have become indispensable instruments, opening doors to a world of limitless possibilities. In this exploration, we delve into the realm of the extraordinary, presenting the top 7 must-have plugins that stand as the backbone for crafting captivating video art & vj loops visuals. From particle systems that defy the laws of nature to glitch effects that add a touch of the avant-garde, each plugin on this list is a key to unlocking the full spectrum of creative expression within After Effects. Join us on this journey as we unravel the transformative capabilities of these plugins, empowering artists to not just create visuals but to craft immersive visual narratives that leave a lasting impact.

1. RedGiant – Trapcode

Transform your After Effects experience with Red Giant’s Trapcode, bringing the mesmerizing power of 3D particle systems at your fingertips. From ethereal fire to intricate user interfaces, Trapcode’s particle emitters offer limitless possibilities. Subscribe to Red Giant and unlock additional 3D geometry input options through Cineware .c4d file import, seamlessly integrating Cinema 4D files into your After Effects projects.

 

2. BorisFX – Sapphire

Elevate your visuals to new heights with BorisFX’s Sapphire plugins, delivering unparalleled organic looks and over 270 effects with 3000+ presets. The robust Effect and Transition Builder empowers creatives to craft stunning compositions with superior image quality, control, and render speed. Save precious time and captivate audiences with Sapphire’s impact, ensuring they keep coming back for more.

 

3. Element3D by VideoCopilot

Break free from After Effects’ 3D limitations with VideoCopilot’s Element 3D, a fast OpenGL 3D object-based particle rendering engine. Born to fill the gap in After Effects’ 3D capabilities, Element 3D acts as a standalone 3D animation application within After Effects. Real-time rendering and advanced features make your 3D objects appear as if they came straight from a dedicated 3D application.

 

4. Stardust by SuperLuminal

Unleash your creativity with Stardust, a modular 3D particle system revolutionizing After Effects. Boasting a user-friendly node-based interface and a plethora of presets, Stardust enables the creation of breathtaking motion graphics and effects. Combine 3D models, particles, and effects seamlessly, opening up a shared space for unprecedented integration. Dive into 3D physics, Replica animation engine, and a vast 3D Model Library to breathe life into your vision.

 

5. Plexus by Rowbyte

Bridge the gap between generative art and After Effects with Plexus by Rowbyte. This innovative plug-in allows for procedural creation, manipulation, and visualization of data. Render particles and establish intricate relationships based on parameters using lines and triangles. Plexus’ modular workflow empowers you to create an infinite array of configurations and parameters, bringing generative art closer to non-linear programs like After Effects.

 

6. PixelSorter by Grabgen

Experience glitch art like never before with PixelSorter, the trailblazing tool that introduced pixel sorting effects to motion designers and video editors in After Effects and Premiere Pro. Version 3 comes loaded with new and exciting features, making experimenting with Pixel Sorting a breeze. Embrace the success it has achieved in various creative fields, from broadcast TV and live performances to music videos and video games.

 

7. Mettle Flux

Step into the realm of hauntingly beautiful backgrounds and nebulous landscapes with Mettle Flux. Harness the beauty of fractal flames with ease, thanks to its user-friendly interface. Offering volumetric, GPU-accelerated 360° 3D fractal flames, Mettle Flux is a must-have plugin for After Effects and Premiere Pro users seeking to create mesmerizing visual experiences.

 

Redefining Artistic Boundaries with After Effects Plugins

As we draw the curtains on our exploration of the top 7 must-have plugins for After Effects, it’s evident that the landscape of video art has been forever transformed. These plugins, ranging from the immersive particle systems of RedGiant’s Trapcode to the glitch art innovation of PixelSorter, have become the unsung heroes of creativity for visual storytellers and artists alike.

In this journey through the realms of 3D rendering engines, generative art, and groundbreaking interfaces, we’ve witnessed how these plugins transcend the limitations of After Effects, empowering creators to breathe life into their wildest imaginings. From the seamless integration of Cinema 4D files to the node-based brilliance of Stardust, each plugin contributes a unique brushstroke to the canvas of possibilities.

As the final frames of our exploration unfold, it’s clear that these plugins not only enhance the technical capabilities of After Effects but also redefine what’s achievable in the realm of video art. They aren’t just tools; they are catalysts for inspiration, prompting artists to dream bigger, create bolder, and revolutionize the very essence of visual storytelling.

So, armed with the transformative power of these plugins, we invite you to embark on your own creative odyssey. Break free from the ordinary, experiment with the extraordinary, and let these plugins be your guiding lights in crafting video art that resonates, captivates, and leaves an indelible mark on the canvas of visual expression. The world of After Effects awaits, and with these plugins, your artistic journey is bound only by the limits of your imagination.

Best wishes from Vienna,
Thanks for your attention, faithfully yours,
Alexander Kuiava – Founder & CEO LIME ART GROUP
https://alexanderkuiava.com/