Adobe releases After Effects 24.2
Adobe has released After Effects 24.2, the latest version of the compositing software.
The update continues the overhaul of the 3D toolset begun in After Effects 24.1, adding the option to import 3D models in OBJ format and HDRI environment maps in EXR format.
It is also now possible to control whether 3D objects cast or receive shadows.
Part of an ongoing overhaul of 3D compositing workflow in After Effects
The release completes – or at least, supplies features that were missing from – the overhaul of After Effects’ 3D toolset begun last December with the release of After Effects 24.1.
After Effects 24.1 made it possible to import 3D models natively into the software, rather than having to use a third-party plugin like Element 3D – but only in glTF and GLB format.
To that, After Effects 24.2 adds the option to import models in OBJ format.
And while After Effects 24.1 made it possible to light objects in the workspace with a HDRI environment map, but only in .hdr format, After Effects 24.2 adds support for .exr format.
It is also now possible to choose whether 3D objects cast or receive shadows, which should make it easier to integrate them with background plates for motion graphics or VFX work.
Updates to Motion Graphics templates, H.264 encoding and CycoreFX HD
Other changes in After Effects 24.2 include the opion to generate a video preview to use as a thumbnail when exporting a composition as a Motion Graphics template.
It is also now possible to encode H.264 in a MOV container, to export as well as import video using the codec.
In addition, the CycoreFX HD plugins bundled with After Effects get performance or workflow improvements to the Ball Action, Star Burst, Particle World and Environment effects.
Price and system requirements
After Effects 24.2 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 February 2024 release or After Effects 2024.2.
Read more about the new features in After Effects 24.2 in the online release notes
Have your say on this story by following CG Channel on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). As well as being able to comment on stories, followers of our social media accounts can see videos we don’t post on the site itself, including making-ofs for the latest VFX movies, animations, games cinematics and motion graphics projects.