Arek Dvornechcuck
Branding Expert
I'm a branding expert and graphic designer based in NY. I specialize in the development of brands: brand strategy, identity & web design. Need help with your project?—Get in touch
I'm a branding expert and graphic designer based in NY. I specialize in the development of brands: brand strategy, identity & web design. Need help with your project?—Get in touch
Whether you’re a motion designer, an animator, or an editor, Adobe has designated software that is best for your needs, which is Adobe After Effects.
It is not 100% free, but in this article, I will help you learn how to download Adobe After Effects for free and enjoy all its features without any charge.
How to Install Adobe After Effects for free?
To install free After Effects on your PC or Mac, all you need to do is visit Adobe’s website and fill out all the necessary information.
After that, you can now explore the main uses of the software for free for the next 7 days.
I will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about After Effects, including its pricing and system requirements.
Additionally, I also provided some of the main reasons why you need After Effects.
So, if you want to learn how to download Adobe After Effects full version for free, as well as everything else you need to know about the app, this is the article for you.
If you’re interested with other Adobe apps, you can also check out my other article where I featured Adobe Software List.
After Effects is one of Adobe’s most famous creative applications that is used to create motion graphics and visual effects.
Adobe After Effects is the best motion graphics software.
This app is also used in the post-production process of film making, video games, and television production.
As a basic non-linear editor, audio editor, and media transcoder, Adobe After Effects can also help you make your videos look better.
It is usually used to make things like explosions and lightning strikes, as well as things like keying, tracking, and compositing.
Although you wouldn't use it to create a whole film, you might use it to produce short animations like those you might see on a website, in an explainer film, or in a credit sequence.
As a designer, I can say that After Effects is definitely a must-have creative software for motion designers and animators.
And if you want to know more about After Effects and how it can help you as a creative, you can visit Adobe’s official website.
Just like other Adobe applications like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, After Effects also has its own unique designated uses and features.
What is Adobe After Effects used for?
Adobe After Effects is a creative software that is used for creating cinematic movie titles, intros, transitions, animations, motion graphics, and visual effects.
Most creatives find After Effects as a go-to Adobe application since it is the best software for motion designers, animators, editors, and producers.
And for you to be sure that the usage of After Effects will bring such an advantage to you, here are some of the best Adobe After Effects features:
Whether you need a dazzling title sequence or simple roll credits, the text animation tools in After Effects can bring your words to life.
You can choose from pre-made animations or make your own with easy-to-use keyframing tools.
Make a letter jump, float a phrase, or animate a logo—adding motion to placement, opacity, color, and more.
You can also rotate your animated text 360 degrees and see how your words look in the picture instead of on it.
This feature will allow you to make objects disappear, create 3D animations, control the weather onscreen, and generate special effects that make the impossible look real.
You can now eliminate mistakes and distractions, add the weather of your choice, create smooth handheld footage, and add 3D geometry and depth.
Animate titles, logos, and backgrounds on Mac or PC with After Effects industry-standard motion graphics software.
Customize high-quality motion design templates or create your own to use over and over again in your projects.
Using this After Effects’ feature, you can now remove elements from your video and add them to live-action footage.
Discover how the rotoscope compositing technique allows you to stitch together moving elements — even if they aren’t shot on green screen.
This feature will allow you to create dynamic graphics that enhance your existing footage.
With motion tracking, you can create text, logos, or graphics that smoothly follow the motion of cars, people, environmental effects, or even the camera itself.
Now that you already know the uses and features of Adobe After Effects, the next thing that you want to know about is:
How to get After Effects for free?
To download After Effects full version for free, the first thing that you must do is to go to the most reliable source, which is the Creative Cloud.
Actually, the process of how to get After Effects for free is very easy, and it will not take you a long time to install it on your Mac or PC.
If you visit the Adobe After Effects website, you will see two options, which are "Free Trial" and "Buy Now".
And since you want to try the application first before deciding if you will use it, you just have to click the "Free Trial" button.
After that, you will be asked to fill out some personal information for the creation of your Adobe account.
When you’re done creating your Adobe ID, you will be asked to choose which After Effect plan you prefer in case you choose to continue with the subscription.
Take note that the free trial will last for 7 days and you must cancel your account before the trial ends so you won’t be charged.
Within those 7 days, you will be able to enjoy the full version of After Effects for free, and you will have the chance to explore all the features of the software.
So what are you waiting for? Download Adobe After Effects for free now!
After your Adobe After Effects 7-day free trial, if you’ve decided that you want to buy the software, you might be curious about:
How much does After Effects cost?
Actually, the After Effects pricing depends on the kind of subscription that you want to purchase.
If you’re only interested in getting the After Effects app alone, you will be asked to pay the monthly subscription fee of $20.99.
With that single app subscription, you will have full access to the industry-standard animation, motion graphics, and creative compositing apps.
It also includes 100GB of cloud storage, Adobe Portfolio, Adobe Fonts, and access to the latest features and updates as soon as they’re released.
However, if you’re a professional creative, you might need other Adobe software aside from After Effects.
That’s why Adobe also offers the Creative Cloud All Apps package for designers and artists who want to save a lot of money by buying each Adobe app individually.
By paying a monthly subscription fee of $52.99, you will have access to 20+ Creative Cloud apps for photography, design, video, web, UX, and social media.
Whether you’re a professional or a beginner, it will be easier for you to learn the app since both subscriptions include After Effects tutorials.
So if you want to have the best motion graphics and visual effects software, buy Adobe After Effects now!
If you’re a student or a teacher who is interested in getting the Creative Cloud All Apps package, Adobe has a greater offer for you.
How to get an Adobe After Effects discount?
To get a 60% discount on Adobe applications, including After Effects, you must first qualify according to Adobe’s requirements.
To qualify for the Adobe Student Discount, you should be at least 13 years of age and currently enrolled in a university, college, primary, or secondary school.
All you need to do is to show your proof of enrollment and you will be eligible for the amazing discount that Adobe is offering.
Take note that if you enroll in the LogoCore course, you will also be qualified to get the 60% discount on the Adobe CC All Apps bundle.
Instead of paying the original monthly subscription of $52.99, you will just have to pay $19.99 monthly.
And with that $19.99, you will be able to use and enjoy the best Adobe applications, including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, and more.
While you are finding the best ways to buy Adobe After Effects, you will encounter some pirated versions that you must definitely avoid.
Aside from the fact that it is illegal to buy After Effects outside of the Creative Cloud, you might also end up ruining your system, which is the last thing that you want to happen.
So if you’re interested, buy After Effects from Adobe or subscribe to the Creative Cloud.
Download Adobe After Effects now!
Now that you already know how to download Adobe After Effects for free as well as how to buy and get a discount, another thing that you must know is:
What are the recommended systems for After Effects?
To install After Effects on either Windows or Mac OS, there are what we call "minimum" and "recommended" system requirements.
Whether you’re using a PC or a Mac, the minimum RAM required is at least 16GB, but it is ideal if you have 32GB or higher.
With the processor, the minimum requirement is an AMD Quad-Core or Intel Processor, but the recommended processor is any 8-core processor or above.
This will give you the best experience in running your creative applications, including Adobe After Effects and more.
For the graphics, 2 GB of VRAM is enough, but if you have 4GB or more, it will be perfect since creating animations and motion graphics requires an amazing display.
For the hard disk, the minimum space is 15GB and the recommended space is 64GB for cache.
Lastly, if you’re currently using Windows, the required operating system is at least Microsoft Windows 10 64 bit.
On the other hand, for Mac OS users, having a macOS version 10.15 operating system or later is ideal.
As a creative myself, I can say that After Effects is the best software for animation, motion graphics, and visual effects.
What are the best Adobe After Effects alternatives?
However, there are also other creative applications and websites that you can try aside from After Effects.
Some of the best After Effects alternatives are Hitfilm Pro, Apple Motion, Filmora Pro, Blackmagic, Natron, and Blender.
But if you’re specifically looking for the best free alternative to After Effects, you can use Natron and Blender since they don’t require fees or subscriptions.
However, if you’re interested in the best After Effects alternative for professional designers and editors, the Hitfilm Pro is a perfect choice for you.
Although these apps are also good options, keep in mind that it lacks some of the more advanced features and applications found in Adobe After Effects.
That’s why if you’re a motion designer, an animator, or an editor, you should download Adobe After Effects for free or buy it in the Creative Cloud.
Knowing the best ways to download Adobe After Effects will be beneficial for you if you’re a motion designer, an animator, or a visual effects editor.
Is After Effects Adobe free?
After Effects is not completely free, but Adobe is giving its users a chance to explore the app by giving them a 7-day free trial.
This article includes a tutorial on how to download After Effects for free, so all you need to do is follow the steps and you’re good to go.
However, for those creatives that are curious about how much After Effects Adobe costs, you can buy the single app for just $20.99/month.
But if you need other Adobe applications aside from After Effects, it is best to avail of the Adobe CC All Apps package, which costs $52.99.
The good thing is, if you qualify for the Adobe Student discount, you will just pay $19.99/month instead of the regular price of $52.99.
For your personal reference, I also included some of the best free and paid After Effects alternatives
As a motion designer, animator, and visual effects editor, what do you think is the reason why After Effects is worth getting? —Leave a comment below.
