As a visual effects artist, Jon Carr uses After Efects' innovative features to make difficult shots look their best.

Filmmaker Stu Maschwitz has worked as a visual effects supervisor throughout his career and often pushes After Effects to its creative limits.

Our friends at Downrunner Productions talk about a real life example of how NVIDIA Maximus coupled with Adobe After Effects CS6 helped them meet a tight deadline when a client asked for a last minute change.

Review some of the fun new effects available in AE CS6 including the Cycore HD effects and other built in plug-ins. Along the way, you'll discover why updating many of these effects to 32-bit in this version of After Effects is so important.

Learn to use the Preview Panel to generate a RAM Preview of your animation that plays in real time. Review the features available in the panel, how to adjust the work area in the timeline, and how to generate a preview to see your results at full speed. Also explore Frame Rate, Skip and Shift+Ram Preview, as well as the From Current Time feature. Finally, learn some handy keyboard shortcuts that can save you time.

Take a close look at timeline elements including switches, navigation, zooming, trimming, setting keyframes, and basic layer properties. Next, review how to set and change keyframe parameters in the timeline, and multiple ways you can accomplish this in After Effects.

Explore the various ways you can set up projects in After Effects including importing individual or multi-layered files from Illustrator and Photoshop. Review some of the options for sorting folders and elements in the project window to keep you organized. Plus take a look at the Flowchart panel and get an understanding of the value of flowcharts as a visual reference to easily see how your project elements relate to each other.

Explore one of the the most-changed performance enhancements in After Effects CS6, the fast previews menu. Learn the difference between the latest options including adaptive resolution, draft, fast draft, wifeframe, and the draft 3D button in the timeline. Using a Ray-traced 3D comp as an example Brian shows how the different options behave and offers suggestions for an efficient workflow even if you don't have the best video hardware.

Discover how the new Bounding Boxes work to help you select and manipulate elements in a scene. Learn about the new Inverted "V" pattern on layers, how to use the selection indicators to identify layers and elements, and how you can edit a 3D element by manipulating its Bounding Box.

Discover the new Mask Feather tool and why it's so important and useful. See how the tool can easily take a difficult rotoscoping task and simplify it by allowing AE to generate a variable feather around a mask that includes both sharp and blurry edges.

Get an introduction to Ray-traced 3D, how to activate it, the 3D layers it adds, and the many options that are available in those layers. Vector layers for text and shapes have greatly expanded options in this version of AE, and most useful for non vector layers are the new "Material" options which include the ability to create after-effects-native reflections for the first time.

Discover how to make your not-so-great footage look better using the new Rolling Shutter Repair effect. Get an overview of the effect controls and how to adjust them to get some nice results from your footage.

Explore the various ways you can set up projects in After Effects including importing individual or multi-layered files from Illustrator and Photoshop. Review some of the options for sorting folders and elements in the project window to keep you organized. Plus take a look at the Flowchart panel and get an understanding of the value of flowcharts as a visual reference to easily see how your project elements relate to each other.

Get familiar with the After Effects CS6 workflow in this brief overview of the tools, project windows, elements, compositions, nested comps, effects, keyframes, the timeline, expressions, exporting and the Render Queue.

Discover the power of this industry-standard video-compositing, motion-graphics-design and animation tool. Learn how it integrates with the Creative Suite, see how it is used in television and film to create special effects, how to composite scenes with blue/green screen keying, and complete creative tasks like drawing, 3D, and titles.

Discover how to enable 3D in a composition and work in the Classic 3D mode. Review the difference in the UI and tools once 3D is activated and take a look at the new properties available in the "Materials" category, as well as in layers and effects, as well as 3D-only elements like cameras and lights. And of course, Brian provides some handy tips for setting up your comp window for 3D.

Learn how to integrate Production Premium into your existing Avid or Apple pipeline (incl. ProRes, DNX, AE ProImport).

In this video tutorial I’ll show you how to create the shield inspired by the movie Captain America without leaving After Effects. The project is based on plug-ins created by Mettle and includes two compositions, one which uses FreeForm Pro and ShapeShifter AE and the other based on the bundled FreeForm plug-in which is included with After Effects from version CS5.

Free After Effects Template based on mettle ShapeShifter AE. Watch this short tutorial to learn how to change the logo and text line. This project also uses Trapcode Shine and RGS Looks.

Embrace the power of Mettle ShapeShifter AE plug-in. Learn the basics and then create a sophisticated promo based on displacement mapping techniques. Overcome the limitations of After Effects 3D space with few advanced compositing tricks.

Mathias Möhl (http://www.mamoworld.com/) has developed an excellent script for AE users: mochaImport. In this video Mathias, teaches how use the script for advanced composite techniques in After Effects.

Mathias Möhl (http://www.mamoworld.com/) has developed an excellent script for AE users: mochaImport. In this great video Mathias, teaches how use the script for advanced composite techniques in After Effects. He inserts mechanics into his arm using only planar tracking techniques available in mocha, and 2D elements in After Effects.

Carl Larsen shows how to track and replace a sky horizon with mocha, After Effects and mocha shape plug-in. Note: This tutorial was done using mocha for After Effects v2 interface but workflow is the same.

Ben Heusner of Curious Turtle training offers this tutorial covering advanced roto techniques with mocha and After Effects such as procedural matting. Note: tutorial was done with older mocha interface, but work-flow is the same.

Mathias Möhl (http://www.mamoworld.com/) has developed an excellent script for AE users: mochaImport. In this video Mathias, teaches how use the script for intermediate composite techniques in After Effects and shows how to recreate an HP commercial look of frozen and unfrozen pictures within a picture frame.

No need for expensive contact lenses, we’ll show you how to use the incredible planar tracker in mocha AE to track your eyes, export them as a Mocha shape layer and apply effects in After Effects to create that “white iris of the zombie” look. Another added feature in this episode is how to use Refine Matte to control the feather, spread and choke of the mocha shape layer. This effect gives you control of how much of the original iris shows around the edge stopping the new white iris from blending into the rest of the eye.

This new effect gives you the ability to create the optical effect of a real camera lens blur. If you need to add depth to a scene, or obscure something in the frame, Camera Lens Blur will do that and make it look completely realistic. You also have complete control parameters like iris shape, blur maps, super whites, gain and threshold.

Chris Meyer introduces his favorite new features in After Effects CS5.5 from the perspective of a long-time user and motion graphics artist.

Learn more about the new Warp Stabilizer's Result and Smoothness settings, Stabilization Method, choices for how to treat the borders of an image, and automatic scaling options.

The Warp Stabilizer's ability to automatically distinguish between foreground and background requires user intervention on some shots, such as a greenscreen stage with tracking dots in the background. Learn how to work around these issues.

Chris Meyer gives an overview of the significant updates to 3D space inside After Effects CS5.5, and then explores the creative options provided by the new 3D Light Falloff parameters.

After Effects CS5.5 sports several new tools that automatically sets a 3D camera's depth of field focal plane to align with chosen objects inside your 3D worlds.

After Effects CS5.5 makes it easy to create a 3D Orbit Camera Rig, which simplifies circular animations. Chris Meyer expands on this by demonstrating how to perform smooth crane and zoom moves with this rig as well.

The greatly improved Camera Lens Blur effect in After Effects CS5.5 allows you to add the same advanced iris simulations and highlight enhancements to already-shot 2D footage offered in CS 5.5 by the impressive new 3D camera depth of field.

The Stereo 3D Glasses effect has been updated in After Effects CS5.5, including better convergence and alignment options for correcting problem footage plus a wider range of stereoscopic viewing options. Color balance workflows are also explored.

After Effects CS5.5 includes the long-requested ability to save a project file back to the prior version. Chris Meyer demonstrates how this interacts with the new features added in CS5.5, including the ability to remember CS5.5-specific effects.

Chris Meyer gives his thoughts on the all-important upgrade decision, and explains why he's so fond of the After Effects CS5.5 update.

An oft-overlooked issue in stereoscopic production is how the point of convergence relates to the viewing plane. Chris Meyer demonstrates adding 3D depth of field blur to the equation to create more realistic, easier-to-view scenes.

See how to quickly apply the new Warp Stabilizer to footage for instant gratification, including setting the Smoothness amount as well as choosing between Smooth Motion and No Motion.

Explore the new Warp Stabilizer's advanced settings, including its innovative Synthesize Edges option. In the process, you will learn how to make custom adjustments to compensate for problem footage.

Explore the greatly enhanced 3D Camera Depth of Field options in After Effects CS5.5, including realistic iris simulations as well as the ability to enhance specular highlights.

See how After Effects CS5.5 greatly eases the creation and control of stereoscopic camera rigs for 3D layers. Chris Meyer explains the resulting chain of compositions, including how to preview, where to add stereo footage, and what to render.

Learn how the new stereoscopic 3D camera rig plus resulting chain of compositions in After Effects CS5.5 are manipulated by the Stereo 3D Controls effect, including setting camera separation (inter-axial distance) and the convergence options.

Chris Meyer shows how a visually oriented person can take advantage of the Favorites and Presets in Audition to improve their After Effects soundtracks, from utilities such as Repair DC Offset to creative possibilities such as lo-fi simulations.

Learn the proper workflow for using Audition with After Effects CS5.5 to enhance the sound when audio is already embedded in video sources. Includes a tutorial for using Audition's Dynamics Processing module to improve the loudness of voiceovers.

Chris Meyer reviews existing methods to work on one portion of a chain of compositions while viewing the final result in another, then introduces a new feature in After Effects CS5.5 that simplifies opening a second viewer for side-by-side work.

Review recent enhancements for finding sources, effects, and parameters that may be buried deep inside an After Effects project, including the new-in-CS5.5 "Most Recently Used" search terms - plus the power of "and" versus "or" searches.

As an extension of Adobe's recent focus on metadata and being able to track information throughout a production, After Effects CS5.5 now has the ability to access the Media Start and End times as well as "tape" names for assets that include them.

Gain a better understanding of how After Effects takes advantage of both RAM and disk caching for both individual layers and entire compositions to improve performance and reduce rendering times.

Chris Meyer demonstrates the new 3D Point Control for expressions, plus the ability to tie together effects with complex arbitrary controls. He also lists the additions and enhancements to both expressions and scripting in After Effects CS5.5.

Learn how to work in the Timeline panel. Hide and show layers with the Video switch. Learn about layer duration and how to use composition markers. Zoom in and out in the Timeline panel, and move forward and backward in time.

Animate layers quickly and easily by using animation presets. Drag and drop animation presets onto layers in the Timeline panel and combine them for a unique result.

Animate layer properties by using keyframes. Modify properties over time by using the Effect Controls panel and the Timeline panel. Adjust the start and end points for an effect. Change the direction of an animation and adjust a layer's opacity.

After Effects ships with more than 200 effects, including effects for color correction, distortion, and even audio adjustments. Search for an effect and drag and drop it onto a layer in the Timeline panel. Adjust effects in the Effect Controls panel.

Learn how to create, set up, and manipulate 3D cameras with the improved camera tools.

Learn about Adobe After Effects CS5, the powerful, industry-standard motion graphics, animation, compositing, and visual effects application.

Add layers to a composition by dragging footage from the Project panel into the Timeline panel. Change the stacking order of layers.

The first step in many After Effects workflows is to import footage, whether it's video, still images, or audio. Explore the multiple ways to import files and organize assets in the Project panel.

Learn how to customize the After Effects user interface. Resize, rearrange, group, undock, and open panels. Save, reset, and switch workspaces.

Learn about the After Effects workflow. Import footage into a project. Create layers in a composition by dragging footage into the Timeline panel. Render and export a movie by using the render queue.

In this AE Podcast, Eran Stern shows you some of the new improvements to the camera tools and settings in Adobe After Effects CS5.

In this tutorial, Creative COW leader Aharon Rabinowitz shows you how to use AE to simulate the popular light writing effect seen in recent Sprint commercials.

Jeff Foster shows you how a complex composition is easily created with the aid of the Mocha for AE software included with After Effects CS4. Add video to objects inside a composition with ease.

In this video tutorial, Eran Stern shows you how to use AE CS3 to transition between the different 3D images, and to create a final animation project.

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow leader Eran Stern shows you how to use AE CS3 to create Animated hands for the 3D watch.

Animate properties in After Effects CS4. Use the stopwatch, move the current-time indicator, and set values. Create, edit, and delete keyframes.

Jeff Foster shows you how a complex composition is easily created with the aid of the Mocha for AE software included with After Effects CS4. Add video to objects inside a composition with ease.

Join Michael Coleman and Dan Ebberts as they show us tips and tricks for creating programmatic animations in After Effects CS4 with Scripting and Expressions.

In this tutorial, Creative COW leader Aharon Rabinowitz shows you how to use AE to simulate the popular light writing effect seen in recent Sprint commercials.

Get an introduction to color correction in After Effects CS4. Use effects to adjust hue and saturation. Adjust color balance.

See why After Effects is the industry standard for motion graphics, text animation, compositing, visual effects, and other post-production work.

Get an overview of text animation. Employ manual and automated text animation techniques. Adjust the range selector. Add animation properties.

Use the Puppet tools to animate characters. Apply pins to control movement. Record movements. Preview the Puppet Overlap and Puppet Starch tools.

Get an overview of the After Effects CS4 workflow. Add effects to graphics, animate characters, and make color corrections.

Learn the difference between projects and compositions. Create projects. Use multiple methods for opening projects and importing assets.

Create and name compositions. Select NTSC, PAL, and film presets, pixel aspect ratios, and frame rates. Nest multilayer compositions.

Tour the Timeline panel. Learn how to add footage from the Project panel to the Timeline. Use keyboard shortcuts to navigate the Timeline.

Separate the x, y, and z dimensions of the Position property to gain precise, independent control over animations.

Sample some of the many effects in After Effects CS4. Use Fractal Noise, Turbulent Noise, and Colorama. Turn the effects visibility on and off.

Aharon Rabinowitz helps you understand the differences between Straight and Premultiplied video when working with After Effects alone, as well as between AE and other programs.

Create and name compositions. Select NTSC, PAL, and film presets, pixel aspect ratios, and frame rates. Nest multilayer compositions.

Learn the difference between projects and compositions. Create projects. Use multiple methods for opening projects and importing assets.

Get an overview of the After Effects CS4 workflow. Add effects to graphics, animate characters, and make color corrections.

Here's After Effects CS3 working with NATIVE Panasonic P2 MFX files. Import P2 files directly into AE and start working immediately no codec conversion needed. Amazing P2 workflow for our video suite.

Learn how to preview animations. Discover the difference between the RAM and spacebar previews. Use the Work Area bar to define preview material.