Adobe AfterEffectsCC2020 brings several captivating innovationsin the May update that can significantly simplify and enrich your creative work. Whether you are an experienced user or just starting out, the new features will open up new possibilities for creating impressive animations and effects. In this guide, I will cover the key features that you can utilize in this update and walk you through the steps to apply them effectively.
Key Insights The main innovations include slanted shapes, the concentric shape enhancer, native support for ProRes RAW, improvements in team projects, and expanded audio hardware support forMac users.
Step-by-Step Guide
Using Slanted Shapes and Corrections
The first innovation I want to introduce to you is slanted shapes. This allows you to create shapes with special corrections without needing additional plugins. This is particularly valuable as plugins often consume extra system resources. To use slanted shapes, access the pen tool. Here, you can paint a shape and apply the slanted shapes that allow you to adjust the outer lines of your shapes, such as with taper-like features or small bulges. With these adjustments, you can give your designs a unique look and creatively enhance them. You can find these settings within the content area under the shape option.
Applying the Concentric Shape Enhancer
Another exciting feature is the concentric shape enhancer. With this function, you can mirror the outer lines of your shapes either inward or outward, creating new possibilities for animations and backgrounds. You can also combine this feature with slanted shapes to develop even more creative designs. To access this feature, you need to select the offset paths feature, which allows you to effectively modify the outer lines of your shapes. Here too, you can customize your shape elements individually.
Supporting ProRes RAW Import
A major advantage of the May update is the native support for the ProRes RAW format in After Effects. This means you can directly import and edit media assets that are configured accordingly without relying on third-party software. This significantly increases the efficiency of your workflow, as you can make all edits directly within After Effects and easily export the resulting projects. This feature is particularly useful when working with high-resolution media.
Audio Hardware Support for Mac Users
There is also good news for Mac users, as the audio hardware settings have been revised. When you set your system’s default audio device, you now have the option to control different audio devices directly through After Effects. Whether you are working with headphones like AirPods, USB microphones, or other external devices, the flexibility will enhance your productivity, allowing you to achieve results faster and more efficiently.
Improvements in Team Projects
One of the biggest changes concerns team projects. You now have the ability to copy media into shared locations. This means you can easily send files to the cloud, granting colleagues access to the materials. Each participant can then edit, delete, or collaborate on the files. This feature is particularly important for larger projects, as it facilitates collaboration and sharing among team members.
Versioning in Team Projects
Additionally, team projects have been improved concerning versioning. When working on a project and you need to revert to a previous version, the new logging feature greatly simplifies this process. You can access prior progress at any time and make changes regardless of your current progress. This enables simultaneous work on different projects and increases efficiency.
Extensions and Efficiency Improvements
Finally, smaller improvements have also been made to effects and presets, which are particularly interesting for those working with powerful graphics cards. With the enhancement of the MinMax effect and new options, you can now work even faster and more productively. These new effects offer more room for creative animations and designs.
Summary – The Innovations in After Effects CC 2020: A Comprehensive Guide
The May update of After Effects CC 2020introduces a range of features that can greatly enhance your creative work. From slanted shapes to native ProRes RAW support and improved team projects, these innovations provide a variety of options that you can make use of in your projects.
FAQ
What are slanted shapes in After Effects CC 2020?Slanted shapes are new customization options for shapes that allow you to adjust the outer lines without needing to use additional plugins.
How does the concentric shape enhancer work?It allows the outer lines to be mirrored inward or outward, facilitating creative designs and animations.
What is the significance of ProRes RAW in this update?The native support for ProRes RAW allows for direct editing and importing of high-quality media without third-party software.
What improvements are there for team projects?Team projects can now store materials in shared locations and offer enhanced versioning options for better collaboration.
How has audio hardware support for Mac been improved?Mac users can now configure and control various audio devices directly through After Effects, increasing flexibility.
