Thread: Adobe After Effects CS4

Adobe After Effects is a program for modern dynamic media production used for visual effects. motion graphics. animation and compositing. The latest update to Abode After Effects CS4 brings a few new tools and lots of enhancements. Among new features include new Unified Camera tool and import 3D objects via Photoshop. The welcome screen looks pretty cool and it shows icons of recent projects list. new project icon. create a new composition icon and a list of video tutorials on After Effects. In CS4. Quick Search has been added that allows you to search a specific parameter by typing the name in the Timeline panel and it immediately shows the connection between compositions in a project.

New version allows to link dynamically with Premiere Pro sequence as a layer in After Effects. You can apply color corrections. special effects. type animations in the multiple layers directly from After Effects. Any change you make in an image in Premiere Pro gets automatically updated in After Effects and vice versa.

Any 3D object created in Photoshop CS4 Extended with the layers. can be imported in After Effects CS4 with all the layers. These Photoshop layers retain their full functions and the images can be animated in After Effects CS4. For getting full control of a 3D project. the improved X-. Y- and Z- position key frames will help.

The new 'Cartoon Effect' transforms video footage or animation to a drawn by hand look and it gives the video a painted animation look. The 'Cartoon Effect' feature allows you to use different parameters to fine tune the appearance. 'Bilateral Blur Effect' gives sharp edge details with less contrast like close to the original. 'Turbulent noise Effect' can be used for creating stunning natural effects like cloud. fog fire and light rays.

After Effects CS4 includes a cool new software called 'Mocha'. This is actually a standalone application but is incorporated in After Effects CS4 as a companion program, thus forming a part of After Effects bundle. It allows you to do motion tracking, change the screen and objects.

Another important feature is integration with Flash CS4 and Device Central CS4. From After Effect CS4 you can export compositions as a layer projects, import into Flash CS4 and edit it. Another new tool is 'Adobe Dynamic Link' that link the After Effects compositions with the Adobe Sound booth.