The introduction of Dynamics Fluids in Trapcode Suite 15 means that for the first time ever, artists can create particle systems within After Effects that interact in a realistic fluid environment.
Red Giant’s release of the Trapcode Suite 15, the latest update to the industry’s most essential tools for creating 3D motion graphics and visual effects in Adobe After Effects, is a step forward in terms of special effects. In fact, expanding the suite’s existing powerhouse toolset of 11 motion graphics plugins, this release introduces Dynamic Fluids. With this option available, artists can create particle systems within After Effects that interact in a realistic fluid environment, creating particles that swirl, mix and react to realistic forces.
Dynamic Fluids aren’t the only new feature available in Trapcode Suite 15, though. Also new to the suite is the ability to load 3D objects into your After Effects composition through Trapcode Mir. The new OBJ loading makes it simple to bring 3D objects directly into AE.
“We are incredibly excited to release something this groundbreaking to the community of After Effects artists,” says Chad Bechert, CEO of Red Giant. “The introduction of our Dynamic Fluids physics engine makes it possible to create particle systems that behave as if moving through a fluid environment and that interact with each other, producing stunning, organic results. This release will completely change the range of what artists will be able to create inside of After Effects, opening the door to new and more robust particle system animation, motion graphics and VFX.”
Dynamic Fluids revolutionizes After Effects work
Red Giant power user Territory Studio, responsible for motion graphics work on films such as Blade Runner 2049 and Ready Player One, took a deep dive into the new Dynamic Fluids physics engine in Trapcode Suite 15.
“The new features in Trapcode 15 are great developments,” said Sam Keehan, senior motion designer at Territory. “We’ve been able to achieve simulations that previously we would have had to jump out of AE for. The new Dynamic Fluids physics engine allows for a much more believable level of randomness and can be applied in all sorts of ways that elevate the traditional Trapcode workflow to a new place. Really fun to work with and definitely something to permanently add to the mograph toolbox going forward!”
To help show off the power and versatility of fluid dynamics in Trapcode Suite, Territory took on the task of creating a beautiful video built around their experimentation with the new engine. Here are some of the Trapcode Suite 15 update highlights.
Trapcode Particular 4
Trapcode Particular brings the power of 3D particle systems to After Effects and lets users add particle effects to compositions to bring motion graphics work to life. Create fire, water, smoke, snow and other organic effects. Combine multiple particle systems into one unified 3D space for visually stunning results. Use 3D objects to add even more beauty and complexity.
Choose from more than 335 Trapcode Particular presets, designed to give you a head start. Every preset is fully-customizable. Particular includes over 35 new presets that show off the new fluid features.
Trapcode Form 4
Create 3D particle grids and objects in After Effects. Trapcode Form particles live forever, giving you precise control over their behavior. Combine multiple forms into one unified 3D space for visually stunning results.
Choose from over 150 Trapcode Form presets, designed to give you a head start. Every preset is fully-customizable. Form includes over 20 new presets that show off the new fluid features. Explore the library to find beautifully designed effects for creating fluid animations, backgrounds, motion design elements and more. Save your own presets and share them across your facility.
Trapcode Mir 3
Trapcode Mir creates flowing surfaces, endless tunnels, terrains and 3D objects for use in your motion graphics work. New features of Trapcode Mir 3 include 3D Models and Surface Presets. Bring your motion graphics into a new dimension by using 3D models as Mir objects. Choose from Mir’s library of over 60 OBJs, or easily load your own models using the new OBJ loading panel. 3D models can be deformed and repeated like any other Mir surface.
Choose from Mir’s 16 surface presets, designed to give you a head start in setting up the materials, shaders and textures for different surface styles. Every preset is fully-customizable. Includes setups for Smooth Surface, Faceted Surface, Wireframe, Chrome, Cartoon and much more.
In terms of host-app compatibility, all of the tools work in Adobe After Effects. Trapcode Shine, Starglow, and 3D Stroke also work in Premiere Pro. All tools work on both Windows and Mac. Users should check the individual product pages for specific host-app and OS compatibility. Red Giant’s Trapcode Suite 15 is available for a price of $999 (full). Owners of previous versions of Trapcode Suite can upgrade for $199. The Academic license costs $499. Trapcode Suite 15 is available now via the Red Giant website.