Top 10 Best Plugins for After Effects 2020

[@BenMarriott]

EDIT: Flow was developed by Rendertom AND the incredible Zack Lovatt, who I neglected to mention in the video. (Sorry Zack!) AEscripts site only lets it be on one person's account, in this case, Rendertom's. Zack has a bunch of other awesome plugins as well: aescripts.com/authors/s-z-0-9/zack-lovatt/ The winners have been announced! Thanks, everyone for entering. Congrats to: @KushMGFX @phillippilkington & @morganvanlent I've contacted you on Instagram :)

[@shakedblank4019]

Great video, I think that my favorite overall is motion_v2, Such a powerful plugin!

[@alchemlstmobile6507]

Great stuff thanks for the suggestions!

[@AnaCamilaLunaLopez]

Hi Ben I love your work, and I think all the plugins are amazing, my favorite is Limber, with all of them I could do my job better and faster, what an emotion I hope to win (@anacamilalunalopez)

[@willeklof]

Ben you’re always adding value back into the community, it’s awesome.

[@TheZakMan]

Sniff, like always I never win nothing :(

[@Lynx2D]

I swear everytime you upload, I get motivated to design something, Keep up the quality content Ben!

[@BenMarriott]

Oh wow, that's so awesome to read. That motivates me more than anything :D

[@kempster1996]

second this

[@DudeInFlares]

Same!

[@VisiPianoOfficial]

Exactly this!

[@akankshajain1701]

+1 🙌 EVERYTIME!

[@raemenon6360]

My favourite one is the extraction of illustrations directly into after effects. It actually does save a lot of time.

[@jiyeonjikim]

PS it can be key framed. By that I mean, you can key frame the object, edit in illustrator and load it to After Effect and the path moves like you have edited the path in After Effect

[@GanglyTFT]

My favorite plugin is Ease + Wizz, which has greatly improved my understanding of easing, and has also increased the quality of work with very minimal effort!

[@sljobstamil519]

It's truly astounding how easy the internet makes learning these days. Thanks for the tutorial, my guy.

[@andrewdotbrown]

OVERLORD IS RIDICULIOUSLY NECESSARY. Can't imagine life without it.

[@benjaminsantiagosstuff]

5:47 re: Overlord, it also imports text which is a huge time saver. Not perfect, but definitely helpful. It also allows you to import stuff back into Illustrator which is kind of amazing. Say you make a character, and client wants two new but super similar characters. You can import them back into the AI file so that you can save them if there is a series or multiple videos. I think the main thing that I've experienced that people "don't like" about Overlord, which is not really Overlord's fault, is that it leads to some super lazy workflows; namely when people don't even name layers before importing them into AE.

[@justinderoche]

Overlord is about to change my life. Thanks for bringing it to my attention!

[@gueorguiharalampiev3667]

I always learn so many tips and tricks from you! When I started to learn 2D and 3D software, it blew my mind just how the digital realm reflects the thousands of various ways and preferences you can do something creative in the real world! Preference is so important to an artist and I never really realised just how important this is to software devs. This is why I love AE. Although it has its problems, you can do just about anything IN A COMPOSITOR, because of its scripting capabilities. And this is why Duik Bassel is my favorite script. I'm no scientist genius mathematician, I'm a simple creative, and I love bringing characters alive. And Duik sped that process up so much by bringing a 3D pipeline into a compositor!!! Hats off to the Rainbox Wizards.

[@polaksan]

I'm strill struggling to decide if I should start buying plugins as a total beginner but this definitely helped me get a sense of what to choose once I get a hang of it. Thanks!

[@bogdanciocART]

There are some great ones like Pixel Sorter 2, Modulator, or Topograph, and we can't forget the Lockdown. But my favorite plugin is the Universe bundle from RG, which saves a lot of time, also Deep Glow and Data Glitch. For animation, it's Duik + J&S

[@feliperogal7830]

My favorite pluggins are free, because 225 dollars is 1264.41 reais, that's a lot of money for me. But I love and use Element 3D

[@bogscave]

My favorite plugin is the Universe bundle from RG, saves a lot of time, also Deep Glow and Data Glitch. For animation it's Duik + J&S :)) There are som great ones like Pixel Sorter 2, Modulator or Topograph, and we can't forget the Lockdown :P

[@NinjaCrisps]

It's surely is amazing how versatile After effects is these days and how it's amazing community keeps making it easier to animate and not withholding knowledge in any way

[@ismailakbas5665]

Hands down, tNice tutorials is THE best beginner video I've watched. Others want to brag about all the sample, loops, etc they have. You keep

[@devilhunt22]

Wow This is a great list ! I use DUIK like crazy ig: life_at_24fps

[@BenMarriott]

Thank youuu! I don't use duik very often, only because when I animate characters I like to do it super basic haha

[@devilhunt22]

@@BenMarriott DUik is pretty useful for making rigs that are templatable for well grindy jobs, its your "super Basic stuff" that needs talent :P big fan i particularly love your eyes tut super simple fun stuff

[@dublinphotoart]

@@devilhunt22 do you know if Duik have fixed the ability to flip a character rig? I believe there's a problem with that? 😥🤔

[@Necrossauro]

Motion Tools by the Motion Design School is my favorite plugin, reminds me of Motion and it's free! ig: necrossauro

[@nuloom]

I use Motion Tools over Motion because of the ability to merge and split paths from shape layers

[@krishnaprasath43]

Yes definitely. I use it all day

[@greenomaty]

Discovered some weeks ago: "Motion Tools by Motion Design School". It's like a light version of "Motion by MtMograph" but with some cool extra features that saved me tons of time in the last weeks. I also recommend Overlord, saved me a hell of time but never got my own licence 😉 Got one at my last job. @kastnerskasten

[@walidboumaza9819]

Motion 3 in the first plugin i install after installing AE, can' t live without it !

[@jchiodo]

Motion V3 has been a life-changer. Have used it since the beginning and will continue to follow it through!

[@daleymanproductions1268]

I've been looking into flow for a couple of weeks now, thanks to you I know it's definitely worth it!

[@livijatilgase5163]

mister horse's animation composer saves a lot of time for me on daily basis. Thank you for this list, overlord seems like a 'must try'

[@CalamityJay-ez2mq]

I've gotta say, at situational as it is I love AE Pixel Sorter 2, you don't always need it but when you do the results are incredible

[@fabriciomachado1394]

They are sensational plugins, but the preferred ones that will leave any animation project with a high level: 1st Trapcode, without words, is one of the most spectacular plugins to make your work look professional; 2nd Element 3D, which will help you animate objects in 3D that will make your customer happy, even without all the paraphernalia of the typical tools of this area; 3rd Joysticks & Sliders, for its simplicity and the way to speed up small everyday animations, I recommend it.

[@michelsilva9565]

I know, you've taught . It ans so much to so many people, you are helping us pursue our dreams! Love from Sweden

[@ShawnHodgins]

I have always likes Red Giant's entire suite, although I am a complete novice. Your video effectively upgraded me already! I know I need to use plugins inside after effects as I get too frustrated with the tedious tasks. Thank you.

[@nerekapiteni4750]

With my love for character animation, DUIK is my right-hand plugin. I've kept my hands off many scripts for too long, but with more work coming in, these would SAVE.MY.LIFE.

[@AnasShroof]

I think the most essential one of them all is Motion, you'll use it on every project, Joystick n Sliders is also great. Keep inspiring us Ben

[@kyletucker1174]

Limber for After Effects would be the one tool I'd like to add to my work flow tools. I've used Unity3d for years on designing games and with slowly moving my skills to After Effects for video creation to show off my current video game. Linber would work perfectly as these functions are the same in Unity3d that I'd feel at home with. Thanks for showing off these stunning gadgets to ease our work flows.

[@frenciobencio]

Universal audio is the must have for me... If you have a master comp with different comps in it you can set an audio or video reference like a voiceover in the master and Universal audio Will sync it in every comp you have... If you move a comp in the master just hit refresh...

[@julioalterno]

He did a very good job imo. Explaining the basics step by step. English is not my first language and I have no experience in using DAWs

[@jaego95]

Particular is my favorite plugin, if only for how many VFX shots it makes possible. Great video, thank you!

[@sunshizzleyou]

Excellent free KZbin content. Quick intro you don't have to sit through which also sets up the purpose of the video, resourceful information, chapters so you can skip to what you need, authentic, great design/branding.

[@Barretlight56]

Very useful list. I knew most of them but now i am motivated to buy a couple. Keep up the great videos man!

[@aliburney4072]

Dang some of these could really beef up my workflow! I had always seen these things in action, but never knew where to look or even what they were called. Thanks for the share!

[@meister.lucian8360]

I'm workin with motion for a while now and loving it! Great Video and plugins btw!

[@ManInBlockTv]

All of these look great, but I think Overlord has to be my favorite since it would save me so much time not having to constantly reimport, when I make changes in designs. Great video as always!

[@HakkeChannel]

I loved each and every plugin. I guess what I liked the most is Motion and Overlord. Plus all the character rigging software. Great video, keep it up!

[@cmdcreativity]

Something else to mention... Flow also exports custom animation curves as expressions perfect for building motion graphics templates where you're looking to add controls for animation properties! Thanks for this video!

[@pro.tharan]

I've loved watching your hair grow over lockdown! Haha great video Ben!

[@mikeschneider4346]

Great overview Ben. There were some great tools I haven't heard of yet. But Motion must be my favourit, as I also use it every time I do anything in AE. Keep up the good work :)

[@ZsoltHatszegi]

I love DuIK a lot, such a versatile tool. The moral/legacy behind their product`s name "DuIK Bassel" after Bassel Khartabil is just insanely fascinating.

[@raxelandara5029]

Flow makes the job so much easier and fast, I try not to relay on it a lot, but it definitely helps

[@JasonStorey]

Favourite? I used to spend hours just playing with Particular and Form, but out of the ones you showed here, honestly? its the less sexy ones that interest me more. I am a sucker for anything that improves workflow that you don't normally impulse buy.

[@fabioorlando9636]

Flow caught my attention the most, thanks for everything Ben

[@arjunskumar4033]

Thanks for all the information. My favorite pluggins are VC Saber, VC ORB and Red giantparticular

[@chandantandukar8076]

Beginner here. Random search took to your video. Everything is new for me now. Hope to get ideas about these plugins in near future.

[@NicolasGarcia-jv1go]

My favorite plug-in was Limber it looks super intuitive and easy to use!! Also great video :D

[@jonasmillgard6251]

Great list! Thanks for putting it together. The ones I use the most are motion and overlord.

[@Daandeb]

Hi Ben, great recommendations! I recently bought the plugin BluBluBar from Blu Blu studios and it has so much of the best features of other stand alone plugins combined into one, I now use it everyday about every other minute! Don’t sleep on that one :)

[@amicableheart]

been learning love it :D Flow is helpful for learning the graph editor for me. Cheers, Keep doing great work.

[@chimchase]

I love trapcode. You can really come up with some unique, exciting particle effects that i use over and over again at work.

[@Los-Noblos]

Flow looks like a gamechanger! Really excited about that one

[@denver1329]

I resisted buying overlord thinking it's too expensive like a year ago, but I did and I still don't regret it

[@GeminiteDesign]

Though not specifically for motion design, I would rate ReelSmart Motion Blur as absolute essential plugin. From footage to moving vectors, everything need motion blur and the ReelSmart plugin is regarded as among the best.

[@austinjohnson7996]

i really love trapcode particular - its so much fun just building weird particle-scapes and watching them undulate.

[@jackieliu238]

I don't have much experience with plug-ins, but I currently have Boombox and it's been incredible for adding that perfect atmosphere and extra oomph! ahh these plug-ins are insane. Thank you for these great explanations and recs, they're super helpful!!

[@virgendesign]

Thanks for doing this, I was wondering about some of these plugins. Love the channel

[@nchataigneau]

Joysticks 'n' sliders is so amazing, Im impressed. Thanks for the sharing:)

[@VisiPianoOfficial]

Joysticks 'n' Sliders, Cyclops and Motion 3 combined looks to be a winning combo. Amazing content as always, been following you on Instagram and KZbin for a while now. Good luck to everyone! Never been selected in a giveaway so trying my luck again haha.

[@nathanaelgraham5333]

Awesome video! My favourite is definitely the plugin Flow! That would save so much time!

[@BBI-Brandboost]

This video is very thought provoking and provides some very useful information for people using after effects. As you say, the key to a good plugin is will it make your life easier. Also they will need to offer value and be efficient to use.

[@patofoto6x6]

Flow and Particular are at the top of my list. Subtle use of particles and good easing of keyframes have helped me take ordinary shots from basic to extraordinary.

[@rob.otnik.berlin]

Flow looks very good. I also like Animation Composer.

[@sheylaramosvillegas5273]

THANK YOU!!!! you actually guide your viewers through soft, unlike so videos that rush the whole tNice tutorialng or talk too fast.

[@williamamamoo7865]

thanks bro, i've been looking for so long

[@jeremipichardo3685]

soone who does not get complex instructions like..At all, tNice tutorials was simple and clear for to understand. Thanks dude.

[@timvfxx]

Thanks Ben. My favourite plug-in is After Codes. That is so useful for encoding media in After Effects. Thanks.

[@elischneider3352]

Motion3 has been a life saver with its ease of use. I use it mainly for faster key framing and quick file organization.

[@Hello2U4s0e4r]

As someone just getting into rigging, Joysticks and Sliders looks amazing!

[@creazawolf]

Thanks for opening my eyes to new plugins. My favourite plugin is MotionBro. Easy to use and extremely versatile!

[@bothebroforyo]

My favourite plugin is FX Console. It saves much time and makes the workflow more comfortable

[@oiganamitio]

Remember the day I bought Overlord and I was like MY GOD THIS IS AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Obriezy]

what an intuitive video thanks for the insights, my favorite plugins are definitely element 3D and joysticks and sliders.

[@TheCpten]

This is amazing, once I’m out of uni I am definitely looking to get all of these! I haven’t done much animation but I feel like joysticks and sliders would be so extremely helpful and easy to get going with and nice to add some animation to my portfolio along with my motion stuff!

Such an awesome way to just like and comment for a giveaway. No unnecesary data filling

[@hellfrozen3678]

Flow is just life changing honestly

[@roguski1]

Thanks for the list. I was thinking of changing from DUIK to limber or rubber hose and I think that was the push I needed.

[@kylerhatigan]

I like motion-bro there are some epic transitions in there!

[@hellosignbd530]

1. Motion 2. Overlord & 3. Flow is my favorite plug-ins so far!!!!

[@suryonosuroso2346]

good work king, love you

[@MrKoctbllb]

Very nice video. Some of those i already use, but some i really need :) For now my favorite plugins Motion Tools and Videocopilot FXConsole.

[@carlospatino1018]

Good video, trapcode and element 3d are my favorite. amazing things that you can do.

[@igurok]

Element 3D, Motion, Joysticks & Sliders nice plugins. Thanks for the video and I will look at the other plugins.

[@FXInjection]

all those plugins seem so nice and easy to work with

[@JamesDaly]

This was awesome! I didn't know most of these, really cool to see what can be done 🙌

[@JackBaeten]

Thanks for all the tips! My favourite plugin is Newton for 2D dynamic simulations.

[@techlifestyle8798]

Now I understand how to make loops and export everytNice tutorialng really god bless you.. your way of explaining simply aweso I loved it

[@luckytwins1969]

I would love to try Flow, it looks very useful to me in particular, thanks for the video! :)

[@BaseballGuy45]

That limber plug-in looks awesome!!

[@strikingtwice]

Liking and commenting to see if I’m too late for the drawing! Great vid as always!

[@HmzAsiri]

My heart was pounding when I saw the intro of the video, these plugins WILL save me my sanity 🔥😭

[@VarietyEditsTM]

I use motion v3 and it's amazing, changing key frames, create null for everyone is so fast and smooth ! When I see how much Motion is poweerful, I really want to have the other plugins :)

[@Travel_with_Swapnil_Balol]

hey, ben thank you for the awesome explanation I learned a lot from your videos, I can always prefer to say that is my favorite one is Trapcode Particular. thank man :)

[@valentingeorgescu9795]

Element is one of my all-time favourite plugins to add that special something to a video, but the one I use the most and couldn't live without would have to be FX Console

[@tomdempsey4394]

My favorite plugin is Nodes 3. I can sit around for hours just playing, not as practical as some, but more fun.

[@elisaslaton6174]

I've gotten lost in the world of plug-ins! Overlord sounds like a MUST since I've been using illustrator for years & am just starting to get into After Effects! x

[@RobFike]

MisterHorse is probably my favorite plugin just because it gives me a lot of quick shortcuts when I'm trying to get videos out.

[@kaykaidhttt]

This person deserves a subscription.

[@robertocasti]

Great and inspiring Top 10. My favourite plugin is Element 3D, powerful altough not so easy to master.