Tips for Using Video Copilot Plugins in After Effects

Tips for Using Video Copilot Plugins in After Effects

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When learning and using After Effects (AE), the series of plugins provided by Video Copilot is an essential tool for every video creator. These plugins are powerful and easy to use, helping us quickly create professional-level visual effects. Today, I will introduce several commonly used Video Copilot plugins and share some practical tips to help you excel in your daily projects.

Element 3D is one of the most popular plugins from Video Copilot, allowing AE to quickly load and render 3D models, and even import your own designed 3D files. This plugin is particularly suitable for creating 3D titles, product showcases, or scene animations.

  1. Create a composition and add a solid layer.
  2. Apply the Element 3D plugin on this solid layer (Effect > Video Copilot > Element).
  3. Open the plugin settings interface (Scene Setup), where you can import 3D model files (supports .obj and .c4d formats) or use the plugin’s built-in model library.
  4. Adjust materials, lighting, and environment maps to make the model look more realistic.

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// AE expression example for Y-axis rotation animation of 3D text
rotationY = time * 30;

This expression will rotate the text around the Y-axis at a rate of 30 degrees per second, making it ideal for dynamic title animations.

  • If your computer has lower specifications, you can reduce the rendering quality during preview (Render Settings > Preview Mode).
  • Use environment reflection maps to give your 3D models more texture, but be careful not to overuse them to avoid making the visuals look fake.

Optical Flares is a plugin used for creating light effects, easily generating cinematic lens flare effects, perfect for title sequences, transitions, and sci-fi scenes.

  1. Add a solid layer in AE.
  2. Apply the Optical Flares plugin (Effect > Video Copilot > Optical Flares).
  3. Open the plugin settings and choose a preset or customize the flare effect.
  4. Bind the flare’s position to a layer (like text or a light source) to make the light effect appear more natural.

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// Bind the flare position to the anchor point of the text
thisComp.layer("Text Layer").position;

This code will make the flare follow the text, ideal for creating dynamic title effects.

  • Add a flare behind the title text to make it look more impressive.
  • Add realistic light effects to elements like spaceships and laser guns in sci-fi scenes.

Saber is a free plugin provided by Video Copilot. Despite being free, it is very powerful. It can create light saber effects, energy bars, glowing text, and more.

  1. Create a text layer and input the desired text.
  2. Add a solid layer above the text layer, then apply the Saber plugin (Effect > Video Copilot > Saber).
  3. In the Saber settings, set the “Customize Core” option to “Text Layer” and select the text layer you just created.
  4. Adjust the glow color, intensity, and animation effects, and your glowing text is ready!

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// AE expression example to control the glow intensity of the text over time
glowIntensity = Math.sin(time * 2) * 50 + 100;

This code will make the glow intensity of the text exhibit a breathing light effect, perfect for sci-fi style scenes.

  • The glow effect from Saber can affect rendering speed, so it’s recommended to lower the preview rendering quality after completing the project to speed up workflow.
  • You can combine Saber with masks to create more unique light effects.

Twitch is a plugin focused on screen distortion and dynamic effects. It can easily achieve effects like screen shake, color shifts, and blurs, making it perfect for music videos, trailers, and battle scenes.

  1. Apply Twitch to the desired layer (Effect > Video Copilot > Twitch).
  2. Open the main control panel of Twitch and select the effect modules you need (like Slide, Blur, Color, etc.).
  3. Adjust the speed and intensity parameters, and observe the visual effects.

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// AE expression example to change the frequency of Twitch shaking
frequency = Math.sin(time) * 5 + 10;

This code will make the shaking frequency of the screen vary with time, suitable for scenes with strong rhythm.

  • In music videos with strong rhythms, use the screen shake effect in sync with the beats.
  • Create disaster or explosion scenes to enhance the impact of the visuals.

Today we learned about four commonly used plugins from the Video Copilot collection: Element 3D, Optical Flares, Saber, and Twitch. Each of these plugins has its own characteristics and can help us quickly achieve many complex visual effects.

Practice:

  1. Try creating a simple 3D title animation using Element 3D.
  2. Use Saber to create a glowing text intro.
  3. Create a short video with screen shake using Twitch in combination with music.

The most important part of learning AE plugins is to practice hands-on. Don’t be afraid to experiment with various parameters and settings because it’s through continuous trial and error that we can truly master the use of these tools. Go ahead and open AE to try it out!

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