Correct, if you have logged in, then one of your activations has been used. You should choose Help Sign Out and quit After Effects. If you only get the Watch Folder panel when you launch the regular (non-Render Engine) application, then the aerenderonlynode.txt file is being recognized. Download Adobe After Effects CS6 for Mac to create motion graphics and visual effects. Slow rendering: In our tests the app needed six minutes to render a 30-second video with 3D text effects.

The term render refers to the process of publishing your work, which creates self- contained files viewable outside of After Effects: Select the desired composition in the Project panel. From the main menu, select Composition Add to Render Queue. You will see the Render Queue panel open in the bottom part of the interface. Trapcode Particular is the definitive plug-in for creating organic particle effects in Adobe After Effects, complete with depth and realistic shading, and full 3D rotation. Whether you are creating motion graphics, or realistic visual effects like fire and smoke, Particular’s complex physics engine allows users to custom define air resistance. The 10.5.1 version of Adobe After Effects CS5 for Mac is provided as a free download on our website. The application is also known as 'Adobe After Effects CS3', 'Adobe After Effects Render Engine', 'Adobe After Effects CS4'. The unique ID for this application's bundle is com.adobe.AfterEffects.

When you launch Adobe After Effects, most menu items are dimmed, and the only open panel is the Render Queue, which is full screen.

Solution: Launch the main After Effects application

You have launched After Effects in the After Effects Render Engine mode by doing one of the following:

You clicked the After Effects Render Engine icon instead of the normal After Effects application icon.
There is a file named ae_render_only_node.txt in your documents folder, as described here:
After Effects Help | Automated rendering and network rendering

To resolve the problem, either launch After Effects using the normal application icon (for example, Adobe After Effects CC 2014), or remove instances of the ae_render_only_node.txt file.

The ae_render_only_node.txt file can be in one of the following locations:

Mac locations:
/Users/[user name]/Documents/
/Users/Shared/Adobe/

Windows locations:
C:Users[user name]Documents
C:UsersPublicDocumentsAdobe

Adobe After Effects is a powerful editing and visual effects software for creating stunning videos.

Thanks to its feature-packed array of tools for animation, cinematic effects, and motion picture compositing, After Effects has been used to create visual effects for high-profile projects like “Iron Man,” “The Walking Dead,” and “Star Trek. ”

But the steep learning curve, high cost ($239.88 per year or $31.49 per month), complex interface, and harsh hardware demands (especially on RAM and disk space) mean the iconic software isn’t ideal for everyone.

That’s why we’ve listed the best After Effects alternatives in this post.

The Top 10 Adobe After Effects Alternatives

1. HitFilm Pro

HitFilm Pro is an all-in-one video editing, visual effects, and 3D compositing software for filmmakers and motion artists. It’s a great After Effects alternative if you need detailed graphics and eye-catching special effects.

Key features:

Supports lights, shadows, and environment maps that create realistic objects and effects.
Over 870 ready-to-use visual effects and presets, available for any layer or clip.
Importable 3D models and access to tracking functions.
Audio visualization features.

Potential drawbacks: The powerful but granular features are hard to use if you’re not a trained visual effects designer.

Cost: One-time purchase price is $349. A free trial gives access to all the tools in HitFilm Pro, but you’ll have to buy the software to export projects.

Best for: Experienced video editors who need to create stunning special effects and graphics.

2. Fusion Studio 16

Fusion 16 specializes in visual effects, Virtual Reality, motion graphics, and 3D solutions. While it’s often used to create visual effects and digital compositing for HD footage and commercials, the software has also been used post-production on movies like “Thor,” “Lost,” and “Avatar.”

Key features:

GPU acceleration and a 360º panoramic workspace enable real-time editing of VR scenes.
Node-based interfaces create fluid, streamlined editing workflows.
AI-assisted VFX production speeds up compositing.
Annotate different clips, versions, and projects.

Potential drawbacks: Limited training resources and tutorials when compared to other visual effects software.

Cost: One-time purchase price is $299. You can get a free version with basic features through the Davinci Resolve Studio 16.

Best for: Large teams that need to collaborate on video projects and have a high creative output.

3. Natron

Natron is a free, open-source After Effects alternative for those seeking greater control and flexibility over the functions and interfaces they use.

Key features:

Interface and functionality are the same across Mac, Linux, and Windows devices.
Node-based engine for a more organized editing process.
Over 250 community-written plugins.
Flexible Roto and Rotapaint toolset that can generate unlimited layers of masks, mattes, and shapes.

Potential drawbacks: No support for 3D effects.

Cost: Natron is free to download and use.

Best for: Beginner visual effects designers and editors looking to add a professional finish to simple projects.

4. Wondershare FilmoraPro

Wondershare FilmoraPro is an advanced nonlinear editor that allows for extra polish in every project. It’s known for strong compositing, motion graphics, special effects, color correction, and audio adjustment tools.

Key features:

User-friendly interface and navigation that provide useful prompts.
Supports a range of frame rates and resolutions, including 4K UHD at 100 frames a second.
Customizable layouts for editing, trimming, effects, and color correction.
Supports motion graphics, animations, and unlimited video tracks.

Potential drawbacks: Audio effects are basic — no parametric EQ or side-chain control — when compared to other visual effects software.

Cost: Annual plan price is $89.99. One-time purchase price is $149.99.

Best for: Low-budget teams that need to polish and refine small projects to perfection.

5. Wondershare Filmora X

Unlike Filmora Pro, Filmora X targets a broader user base than most visual effects software. It’s simple enough to satisfy beginners but powerful enough to meet the needs of advanced users.

Key features:

Beginner-friendly interface that makes editing less intimidating.
Drag and drop creative assets into your timeline.
Use the touch bar to preview your timeline (Mac only).
Royalty-free music and sound effects.
Supports titles, filters, overlays, transitions, and motion graphics.

Potential drawbacks: Limited options for customizing the interface.

Cost: Annual plan price is $39.99 for Windows and $44.99 for Mac. Lifetime plan price is $69.99 for both operating systems.

Best for: YouTubers or short-film producers.

6. Blender

Blender is a free and open-source 3D creation suite for modeling, rigging, animation, compositing, and game creation.

Key features:

Combine 2D and 3D images.
Animation support with onion skinning.
Ultra-realistic and premium-quality rendering.
Python scripting for custom tools and add-ons.

Potential drawbacks: Difficult to learn and master.

Cost: Free to download and use.

Adobe After Effects Render Engine App Mac