Essential Video Copilot Plugins for After Effects

Essential Video Copilot Plugins for After Effects

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Hello everyone! Today I want to share with you some After Effects (AE) plugins that are essential, coming from the well-known Video Copilot company. These plugins not only enhance our work efficiency but also elevate ordinary visual effects to a high-end, cool level. If you are an AE user looking to take your work to the next level, these plugins are definitely worth trying!

Element 3D is one of Video Copilot’s most popular plugins, allowing us to handle 3D objects directly in AE without relying on complex 3D software. If you want to quickly create 3D scenes, text, or effects in AE, this plugin is definitely the first choice.

  • Supports importing 3D files (such as OBJ, C4D formats).
  • Provides a rich library of materials and textures.
  • Real-time rendering, fast speed, and good effects.

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// When using the Element 3D plugin:
1. Create a new Solid layer.
2. Open "Effect > Video Copilot > Element" to add the plugin.
3. Import your 3D model in the "Scene Setup".
4. Apply materials and adjust lighting effects.

  • Create 3D logos or titles.

  • Build simple 3D scenes or effects.

  • Quickly insert 3D models into commercial ads (like product displays).

  • Optimize Performance: Enable “Draft Mode” in the “Render Settings” to improve preview speed.

  • Lighting Setup is Important: Proper lighting can make your 3D objects look more realistic.

Lens flare effects are very common elements in film production, and the Optical Flares plugin allows us to easily create dynamic lens flares, adding more depth and visual impact to the footage.

  • Includes a large number of lens flare presets that can be used by simply dragging.
  • Supports custom lens flare designs, including colors, textures, and animations.
  • Can be linked to lights or tracking points to create follow effects.

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// Steps:
1. Add a Solid layer and name it "Lens Flare".
2. Open "Effect > Video Copilot > Optical Flares".
3. Select a preset lens flare style in the plugin panel.
4. Adjust the color, brightness, and position of the lens flare.
5. If dynamic follow effects are needed, link the lens flare to the light.

  • Simulate lens flare effects from the sun or lights.

  • Enhance the visual impact of sci-fi or action scenes.

  • Create glowing effects for text titles.

  • Avoid Overuse: While lens flares are great, overusing them can make the footage look chaotic.

  • If a more natural effect is needed, you can appropriately reduce the lens flare intensity or increase the blur value.

Saber is a free plugin, but its capabilities are definitely on par with any paid plugin. It can easily create lightsabers, energy waves, glowing text effects, and is often used in sci-fi style designs.

  • Offers multiple glowing styles (such as flames, neon, shockwaves, etc.).
  • Supports path animation for dynamic glowing effects.
  • Completely free but very powerful.

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// Steps:
1. Create a text layer and input your text content.
2. Create a new Solid layer above the text layer.
3. Open "Effect > Video Copilot > Saber".
4. In "Customize Core", set Core Type to "Text Layer" and select the text layer you just created.
5. Adjust the glowing style and color.
6. Add keyframes to create a dynamic glowing animation.

  • Create lightsaber effects (classic Star Wars style).

  • Enhance the visual effects of text titles.

  • Create dynamic neon effects.

  • Path Animation: If you want the glowing effect to move along a path, you can use AE’s Mask tool to draw the path and set Saber’s Core Type to “Layer Masks”.

  • Best Use: Saber performs best on a black background, which can highlight the glowing effect.

Twitch is a plugin focused on dynamic effects, making your footage instantly more rhythmic and impactful. Its feature is that it can simultaneously add multiple effects, such as color changes, shaking, blurring, etc.

  • Includes 6 built-in effect modules (such as slide, color, scale, etc.).
  • Supports random animations to create strong rhythmic visual effects.
  • Very suitable for music or fast-paced videos.

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// Steps:
1. Select the layer to which you want to add effects.
2. Open "Effect > Video Copilot > Twitch".
3. In the plugin panel, enable the "Slide" and "Blur" modules.
4. Adjust module parameters, such as the direction and intensity of Slide.
5. Add keyframes to create random animation effects.

  • Create music rhythm videos.

  • Enhance the impact of action scenes.

  • Create visual interference effects in sci-fi or horror styles.

  • Use Sparingly: The effects of Twitch are quite strong, so it is recommended to lower the parameter intensity according to the video content.

  • If you want the effect to be more random, try adjusting the “Amount” and “Speed” parameters.

Today I introduced four essential plugins from Video Copilot: Element 3D, Optical Flares, Saber, and Twitch. Each of them has a rich set of features and application scenarios, whether for 3D design, lens flare effects, or dynamic effects, they can meet your needs.

If you are a beginner in AE, I recommend starting with Saber and Optical Flares, as these two plugins are easy to get started with and produce outstanding effects. If you want to delve into 3D design, then Element 3D is an indispensable tool.

  1. Use Saber to create a glowing effect for your name.
  2. Use Twitch to create a short film with shaking footage.
  3. Use Element 3D to create a simple 3D logo animation.

I hope these plugins can help you navigate your learning and creation in AE more smoothly! Remember, practice is key to discovering more interesting possibilities.

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