Adobe releases After Effects 24.5
Adobe has released After Effects 24.5, the latest version of the compositing software.
The update extends After Effects’ 3D toolset, adding support for animated 3D models, rendering depth maps with the Advanced 3D renderer, and a shadow catcher system.
Support for importing animated 3D models in glTF and GLB format
After Effects 24.5 continues Adobe’s ongoing overhaul of the software’s 3D toolset.
Changes include the option to import 3D models with embedded animations, originally rolled out in beta in April, and now available in the stable release.
Animation support is currently restricted to files in glTF/GLB format.
Importing 3D models into Creative Cloud libraries, which was previously limited to glTF/GLB, now also supports models in OBJ format.
Other new 3D features
Other 3D features include a shadow catcher system, similar to those in other DCC apps.
It enables 3D objects to cast shadows onto a transparent 3D layer beneath them, making it easier to integrate them convincingly into a photographic background plate.
It is also now possible to generate depth maps when using the new Advanced 3D renderer, in the same way as was already possible with the Classic 3D renderer.
The depth data can then be used to generate depth-based effects, like environment fog or depth-based blur or color correction.
In addition, Camera and Light properties can now be edited from the Properties panel.
New animation presets, including anime effects and transitions
Outside the 3D toolset, the update adds 33 new animation presets.
They range from utility tasks to presets for generating anime speed lines, dynamic text and infographics, and new wipe and dissolve transitions.
Price and system requirements
After Effects 24.5 is available for Windows 10+ and macOS 12.0+ on a rental-only basis. Single-app After Effects subscriptions cost $34.49/month or $263.88/year.
In the online documentation, the update is also referred to as the June 2024 release.
Read more about the new features in After Effects 24.5 in the online release notes
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