Procedural Fire in After Effects - NO PLUGINS!

Detailed raging fire effects in After Effects with no plugins!
2024 Update! I moved Texturelabs off of Patreon - you can now pick up the turbocharged template version of this project here:
texturelabs.org/tools/inferno...
Fonts used in this tutorial:
www.dafont.com/eagle.font
www.dafont.com/arb-66-neon-ju...
www.dafont.com/untouchables.font
www.dafont.com/badaboom-bb.font
Check out the Texturelabs Channel for more content:
/ texturelabs
Connect:
Insta @texturelabs
texturelabs.org/
PROJECT SETUP
1920x1080, 24fps, 6 Seconds
PROJECT MAP
Layers and effects are arranged as they appear in the project. I recommend building the project starting at the bottom and building to the top.
"FIRE" (Main Comp):
IF "SOURCE" LAYER IS A TEXT LAYER
1) "SOURCE DISPLACE" (Black Solid)
Calculations Effect -
Second Layer: "SOURCE" / Effects & Masks,
Second Layer Opacity: 100,
Blending Mode: Copy
Gaussian Blur Effect -
Blurriness: 20
Fractal Noise Effect -
Offset Turbulence: KEYFRAME from 960 540 to 960 0
Levels Effect -
Output White: 127
IF "SOURCE" LAYER IS NOT A TEXT LAYER
1) "SOURCE DISPLACE": Duplicate of LAYER 6 (your SOURCE) with Displacement Map and Compound Blur Effects
Gaussian Blur Effect -
Blurriness: 20
Fractal Noise Effect -
Offset Turbulence: KEYFRAME from 960 540 to 960 0
Levels Effect -
Output White: 127
2) "COLORIZE" (Adjustment Layer)
Levels Effect -
Gamma: .8
Colorama Effect -
Output Cycle: Fire Preset,
Blend With Original: 30%
Glow Effect -
Glow Radius: 300,
Glow Intensity: 2,
Glow colors: A&B Colors,
Color A: FF6500, Color B: A91200
Unsharp Mask Effect -
Amount: 100
3) "OVERLAY" (Black Solid) Overlay Blending Mode
Gradient Ramp Effect -
Start and End Points adjusted to match subject
Fractal Noise Effect -
Fractal Type: Dynamic,
Invert: On,
Contrast: 150,
Scale: 200,
Offset Turbulence: KEYFRAME from 960 540 to 960 -1250,
Blending Mode: Multiply
Fractal Noise Effect -
Contrast: 50,
Brightness: -48,
Scale: 9,
Offset Turbulence: KEYFRAME from 960 540 to 960 -540,
Evolution: KEYFRAME 0 to 5.00,
Blending Mode: Add
Turbulent Displace Effect -
Size: 30,
Offset Turbulence: KEYFRAME from 960 540 to 960 -50
4) "FRACTAL FLAMES" (Instance of Precomp) Overlay Blending Mode
Displacement Map Effect -
Displacement Map Layer: "SOURCE DISPLACE" / Effects and Masks,
Max Horiz: 100,
Max Vert: 100
5) "INVERSION" (Adjustment Layer) Exclusion Blending Mode
Gaussian Blur Effect -
Blurriness: 50
CC Vector Blur Effect -
Type: Direction Fading,
Amount: 140,
Angle Offset: 180,
Vector Map: "BACKGROUND"
Displacement Map Effect -
Displacement Map Layer: "FRACTAL FLAMES",
Max Horiz: 15,
Max Vert: 75
Solid Composite Effect -
Color: Black
Fractal Noise Effect -
Contrast: 75,
Brightness: 40,
Offset Turbulence: KEYFRAME from 960 540 to 960 100,
Blending Mode: Color Burn
Turbulent Displace Effect -
Displacement: Twist Smoother,
Amount: 20,
Offset Turbulence: KEYFRAME from 960 540 to 960 -250,
Complexity: 7
Turbulent Displace Effect -
Amount: 20,
Evolution: KEYFRAME from 0 to 2.00
Offset Effect -
Shift Center To: 960 560
6) "SOURCE" (Text layer or any white shape with transparent background)
Displacement Map Effect -
Displacement Map Layer: "FRACTAL FLAMES",
Max Horiz: 6,
Max Vert: 6
Compound Blur Effect -
Blur Layer: "FRACTAL FLAMES",
Max Blur: 4
7) "BACKGROUND" (Black Solid)
"FRACTAL FLAMES" (Precomp)
1) "Fractal Flames" (Black Solid)
Fractal Noise Effect -
Fractal Type: Dynamic,
Invert: On,
Sub Scaling: 60,
Sub Offset: KEYFRAME from 960 540 to 960 -570,
Evolution: KEYFRAME from 0 to 3.00

[@Texturelabs]

Hey everyone, thanks for checking out the video! If you’re looking for a transparent background rather than black - two options… The easy way: burn something as just a black shape (so you only get the fire on a black BG) then use that comp as a layer set to Screen or Add Mode. Then the hard way (but more realistic): Requires getting into some compositing. The way I achieved a transparent background in the template (hint hint, plug!) was to build the fire in black and white using a black shape on a black background (white fire, black background). On top of that use an Adjustment Layer with a Colorama Effect - replace the Black with Red. So it should be like a gradient map that goes from red to orange to yellow to white (the whole background will be red). Then a Calculations Effect to use the original image as a Luma Matte - so, Calculations with the Second Layer Channel set to Grey, Second Layer Opacity at 100, and Blending Mode (in the Calculations effect itself) set to Stencil Luma. Finally… a Levels Adjustment to adjust the Alpha channel - switch the Levels channel to Alpha, then drag the Alpha Input White way down to 140 or so. Hope that helps!

[@BuiltToBoost]

Awesome! I got close to this but couldn’t figure out the blend mode for the levels effect to create the true transparency. Thank you!

[@MediaOutreachMinistry]

I know its an old tut, but could you please create a 2nd part for this tut to handle a transparent background for compositing into a parallax scene, thanks in advance.

[@BenMarriott]

Good Gravy... Incredible result and an even more incredible method. Amazing!

[@benw998]

High praise coming from you!

[@jossipepegonzalez]

@ben From one tutorial legend to another.

[@bubanga]

Ben Marriott, we need a big discount on your course. Texturelab, you are killing it, wow!

[@faanross]

when @benmarriot drops a compliment like this you know you've clicked on the right video.

[@ConnorEckdahl]

Your tutorials are insane! Love how easy to follow they are and how much I learn about how effects work together thru your vids. Thank you!

[@tristenrouse8596]

The directional blur with vector blur, and the Gaussian Blur + Exclusion combo is a game changer for me. This is insanely optimized for how good it looks as well. I look forward to every single one of your tutorials!

[@JakeInMotion]

What in the world Brady, you're constantly blowing my mind! And an actual use for the calculations effect? Come onnnnnn.

[@kindacapable]

when you make JakeInMotion FXGasm you're killing the game.

[@DominusFeles]

I'm 50% amazed and super happy that you create tutorials of this fantastic quality, and 50% mad that this didn't exist a couple of years ago when I tried to produce this effect and spent at least two weeks having a constant AE headache 😂

[@poprip]

A true master! I love how you use the default version of the software without plugins and create truly amazing effects. Thank you so much, you are inspiring!

[@jonathankindingstad9112]

Your tutorials are the easiest to follow, but at the same time looks the best. Incredible…

[@FreeFromWar]

I don't even use after effects but you are so good at pushing every effect beyond it's limits, I watched the whole thing lol

[@RyanMayer]

I love your tutorials so much. I've been wanting to dive into AE for a number of years now and took the plunge with this video. A LOT of pausing of course, but ultimately I learned so much! Thank you and keep on inspiring!

[@rahuldeshpande3516]

Dude displacing the fractal source layer itself was incredible. Ha'ts off man! You've given us some brilliant techniques here man!

[@Wesley-pk5de]

Your tutorials are, by far, the top 5 best PS / AE tutorials on KZbin. Amazing work, as always. Thank you, my good sir.

[@sohagnakib8902]

What are the other 4, curious mind wants to know?

[@bhimaniamaan6924]

New Texturelabs video?!?! YESSSSSS!!!! So excited to watch this :)

[@ShiveringCactus]

Amazing. Once again, I’ve been using After Effects for twenty years and you’re teaching me new things

[@ryszardniewegowski950]

I am so grateful for having such an amazing elder brother and will always be. Happy birthday, bro!

[@craigernstzen2372]

I basically live on KZbin going through various tutorails. Blender, After Effects etc. Hands down, this is THE best tutorial I've seen. Great pace, you explained what you're doing clearly and the result is amazing. Thank you!! I just wonder if my PC will render this bad boy lol

[@WhiteWeaselMotion]

maaaan what a hidden gem. Will use often (but mainly not for fire, more for typo/motion)

[@AdrianoGazza]

I really enjoyed following this, you have a really clear and informative style and pace that was easy to follow. Thanks very much, end results look amazing too!

[@NightPublished]

Great job! Great contribution! Creating fire from AE is as old and epic as fire itself!

[@LunaWolfMusic]

This tutorial is so perfect...just found this video, so easy to fellow, and not speedy like some people. Thank you for this video and explaining everything so well. 10/10 tutoorial

[@potentialpictures]

Awesome Fire!!! Will be diving into this one on the weekend! Full credit to you when I post on my IG. Thanks so much, really great tutorial with a deeper dive into after Effects.

[@SryNax]

Can you explain how to composite this dope effect over another layer?

[@mahanyazdani2757]

This is just a fantastic guide! Immense knowledge of aftereffects and overall computer visual effects.

[@uttampradhan8502]

Such a complicated effect is made so easy. With just Fractal Noise & Turbulent Displacement is awesome 👌. Really liked 👍 it.

[@elisasia8830]

one of my favorites tutorial to watch over and over again

[@justinwood8672]

This was great! Thanks! I appreciate that you talk and explain what you're doing and why, this helps to really LEARN and instead of just copy!

[@madebydbm]

That's really impressive 👏 Always amazes me how much you can do in AE with just its built-in effects.

[@nicolaykoriagin]

Wow! I had no idea it's even possible to do without any plugins. Thank you very much, very curious to try it some day. Amazing, actually!

[@briantriesart]

probably the most dynamic tutorial ever. thanks

[@TiagoVargasweb]

Awesome! Perfect effect and perfect explanation! Thanks for sharing this perfect and sacred content!

[@19visuals]

WTF litteraly the best tuts ever for procedural fire with after ! gonna made some masterpiece thanks!!!

[@CatalinGulan]

As usually very, very careful to any single detail and compositing high professional! Awesome tutorial, channel and not the last, person. Big congrats Brady and thank you very much for sharing! ❤

[@elicitone]

That is beautiful.... Stunning work... Keep it up you Rock!

[@Texturelabs]

Thank you so much Jeff, cheers!

[@amitdhawan579]

What a great tutorial!! Best fire effect I have seen!

[@Gadalac]

This is so clear and brilliant! What a great tutorial!

[@acceptabletelevision]

Hero for speaking the hex codes out loud

[@DeepakDhawan74]

The best procedural fire tutorial...EVER..🤯🤯

[@ugononis2899]

Once again you created a great tutorial. I wish knew how you got so good and how you think about what to use and when. I would love a seminar where you talk about how you learn and explore all the ways you create. I have been working in Graphic Design for over 20 years and I have to say you are next lvl Sir. Thank you for the tips and inspiration.

[@TomVanDeusen]

Amazing tutorial, thank you SO MUCH. Your tutorials are top-tier.

[@boinx]

This was just excellent in every sense. Thank you!

[@jhondonky5547]

this is a masterclass ! you have real AE skills !

[@GerblerM]

THE GOAT BACK AT IT AGAIN

[@JohnnyGreatC]

Thank you so much for this!! I finally learned to create something nice from scratch in AE.

[@animaduestudio2731]

this tutorial is freakin awsome!! I used a shape layer for the BG and it gave me 0 issues with de edges of my comp.

[@aisestudio]

Amazing tutorial! Thanks a lot!

[@widhidewangga]

3 AM rnow, Dude I can't and won't skip notification from this channel.,

[@pabloandradegraphics]

I'm just amazed with the result!!!!

[@kxmediakalorycznie1387]

Amazing and best effect without extra plugin in After Effects !!!!

[@gamatoszaras]

Such a great method! Bravo my friend!

[@iamleoh]

thank you for this great tutorial. i always complain do tutorials very slooow, and this one i loved it. thanks

[@miscztaBustACap]

Fantastic tutorial! 🙏 I worked on a thinner source text and wanted it have a more accentuated dark text and I discovered that if I changed the blending mode for the fractal noise in the Inversion layer from color burn to overlay it did the trick. 👍 Might be useful information for someone 🙂

[@DEADLINETV]

This is just too awesome! Thanks!

[@ptr_mzr]

Awesome as always! Thank you!

[@Texturelabs]

Right on thank you so much

[@Yusuf3D]

awesome result and tutorial man .. and you just brought deep memories for me about video copilot tutorials

[@TheVidgamejunkie]

Amazing tutorial! Thanks for sharing!

[@137official6]

Your tutorials are insane!

[@philbutz5649]

Bro this is CRAZY!!! Thanks a lot!

[@alimaskuri479]

What an angel! You save my broken head!

[@PlaayNerdTV]

AMAZING Bro

[@audiotech3403]

Your tutorial are absolutely amazing

[@dougrodrigues]

My vga burn in this tutorial. Love it! thank you so much!

[@dsignyt]

Insane stuff man. Thank you

[@JavanHamiltonTV]

Killer! Thanks so much for this.

[@user-fn9rz8zf2j]

You are prometheus for all the after effects users!

[@alexdib3915]

It looks sick man, thank you

[@burrocomasa]

Once again, amazing

[@petethechin]

Fantastic Tutorial, gonna get my students to do this one. Thanks so much.

[@porkumiseria]

Very good Tutorial, I am amazed! Bravo! 👍

[@besbn37]

Thank you so much! This is awesome, I've learned a lot

[@hubertwooow]

Great! Thank you for your work 🔥

[@DoCWolver]

I really appreciate the help, thanks man :)

[@jg4escolhido]

Very very very nice!

[@CaptainReynolds-flyinspace]

Wow! Just wow!)) in the 90s and early 00s it being a moovie quality effect. It looks great) i thing if someone apply this effect not to whole shape but to diffrent part and ajust different noise speed, it would be looks even better. Smoke asset on top, and there you go)) Amazing work!

[@user-ym4xt3ej5p]

You saved my final assignment and I love you forever😭❤❤❤❤

[@ThePopularCult7]

Thanks for the tutorial this is awesome! God bless

[@purplelight2947]

Amazing approach! Thanks.

[@Licinho76]

DÁHORABICHO!!!! AWESOME TUTORIAL! CONGRATS AGAIN!!!!!

[@sabirvolume583]

Amazing as always! Thanx!!!!

[@wongkc]

You fully utilize fractal noise and turbulent displace effect! Great Tutorial !!!

[@HuuNguyen-zd2hv]

Very informative, I greatly appreciate you Bro!

[@d4c798]

Great vídeo!

[@guidedbylightart]

This is awesome!! Thank you :)

[@DCFHazardRebornChannel]

Doesn't use After Effects... yet... Sees a video for Fire in After Effects... clicks on it... Now wants to use After Effects to do this effect xD Awesome video, you sold me 100%

[@JoergSteinhauer]

Sick! You're the best

[@glennsmooth]

Very nice. Could also add some small glowing embers for even more realism.

Impressive !

[@YeagerFilm]

Dude. Amazing. 🔥

[@kh_221b]

thank you so much Brady!!

[@tippersinpachan9994]

seriously helped thank you!!

[@Ignashov.E]

Thank you very much!

[@Blake-gh8xl]

God Damn Master in his craft! thank you good sir

[@Texturelabs]

Ha cheers thanks Blake!

[@MetalMikeandPersis]

Wow, fantastic! 👍

[@sushansirisena5401]

Amazing! Thank You

[@SeamusMatthews]

uff. once more, knocked out of the park...

[@eddyjuillerat835]

Some kind of genius.

[@nickrua]

Tip for those trying to lengthen the animation: Instead of keyframing, Alt/Opt-Click to open the expression controls. And use the expression “value*#” For example “time*30” This will animate the evolution, offset, or any parameter you want, indefinitely. Great tutorial! Cheers

[@a.n.t.94]

what a godsent, thank you so much

[@Double_AV]

can anyone explain this further? is this for lengthening the entire composition? I'm new to AE... I want to be able to have the animation running longer or on a loop that blends since the frames don't match up every 6 seconds like in this vid.

[@nickrua]

@@Double_AV No, to lengthen the comp, right click and select "composition settings." Then change the duration. My tip is an expression for animating the keyframes. Instead of clicking the stopwatch, alt-click and type "time*40" or any numeric value. This will modify the effect indefinitely. Probably a little more advanced if you're just now learning AE..

[@rsdotscot]

I've yet to try this (just found this tutorial) but would this still produce a seamed loop? I'm trying to work out if it's possible to make this seamless (for a small signature logo in the corner).

[@nickrua]

@@rsdotscot I don't believe my method would allow you to make a seamless loop. However, because it's such an organic effect, I'd probably try to hide the seam with some type of dissolve between the first and last frames. Good luck!

[@LizardKing015]

Thank you for this.

[@alikhadoor4472]

before i watch all video love it😂🔥

[@deserttigersunitedllc8610]

I bet ur a beast at it now

[@danielfuentes1952]

Can this be done in a transparent background or just a black screen?