Note, while I fix my stupid Flash playback issues, go directly to the QuickTime movie here.

http://www.graymachine.com/media/quickTip_toComp.mov

This is an old tip that I’ve never formally published as a tutorial. It demonstrates a couple tips on how useful the “toComp” expression with Knoll Light Factory, Shine and more.

This tutorial is inspired by recent animated works that utilize music along with Trapcode Particular and Soundkeys. Here, you’ll learn how to create particle-based visuals to match your audio.

A simple circular ripple motif carries through this piece, perfect for corporate or medical productions.

Price $30  |  Resolution: 1280×720  | 3rd Party Plug-Ins: None

>Click here to go to the download page

Go to the download page for this preset

This also uses the Omino Glass pixel bender filter available here

Targeted at the designer, this series teaches you how to use expressions in every day projects. This series has quickly become the go-to place to efficiently learn After Effects Expressions! Includes all project files and a Quick Reference PDF to aid in learning.

The six lessons are as follows:

1. Introduction to Expressions
2. Introduction to Arrays and Variables
3. 3D Text: Arrays and variables continued
4. Random Numbers and Text Strings
5. Expression Control, Randomness and Probability
6. Audio to Keyframes

DOWNLOAD ONLY | $39.99  (3 hours)

In this episode, designer I show you how to create a cool motion graphics “shooters” effect with Trapcode Particular. After that, I also go into Maxon Cinema 4D and Adobe Illustrator to create a full logo build with this effect.

When working with high particle counts in Trapcode Form, the only thing that will speed things up is a lower number of particles. Creating an Expression Checkbox as an “on-off” switch for this is a efficient way to manage render times when working with Form. Here is the expression used:

s = effect("Checkbox Control")("Checkbox");
if (s==1) value/4 else value

Make sure to add a checkbox control from the expression control effects.

>Get the download here

Get up to speed with Red Giant’s Trapcode Particular 2 plugin through this series of informative and project-focused lessons.  Explore emitter types and functions in-depth with motion graphics expert, Harry J. Frank (hey that’s me!)  Go beyond generating your typical particle effect and learn to use Particular in new and interesting ways.  After Effects project files are included so that you can follow along with the instructor.

Length: 6 hours 15 minutes  Price: $95

Get the disc now at Toolfarm.com

Now that Video Rock is distributed exclusively through Red Giant Software, there have been some changes. There’s a few things gone, a few new things, and some more stuff coming, like Video Rock #2.

This video is a 10 minute walk through of the first Video Rock library, including some tips on how to loop elements, how to do quick designs with the prerendered movies, as well as some useful finishing tips.