Try Adobe After Effects With the Free Trial
Adobe offers a seven-day free trial for new users, plus a 14-day refund window after the trial ends. Combined, that's up to 28 days of access at no cost.
To start the trial:
- Go to the Adobe website and select "Start free trial."
- Create an Adobe account with a new email address.
- Start using After Effects immediately.
Existing Adobe users won't qualify for the trial. Creating a separate account is an option, but it means losing access to presets and saved data from the original account.
Access After Effects at a Reduced Rate as a Student
Students are eligible for discounted access to the Creative Cloud All Apps plan, which includes After Effects. Most universities and institutes have a qualified Adobe discount — check with a professor or department administrator to confirm what's available.
Many institutions offer Adobe for under $20 a month, and some provide access at no cost. Students looking to earn money while studying can also offset software costs through part-time online work.
Use Free Open-Source Alternatives
Several free tools cover much of what After Effects offers — motion graphics, VFX, compositing, and video editing. Here's a breakdown of the main options:
- Blender: A free 3D creation suite with video editor tools, including motion graphics, green screen keying, tracking, and visual effects.
- Natron: Built for VFX professionals, with a node-based workflow similar to After Effects' expressions and layer-based approach.
- HitFilm (Free Version): Combines video editing and VFX in one tool, covering green screen keying, particle effects, motion tracking, and transitions.
- PowerDirector (Free Version): A beginner-friendly editor with basic effects and transitions.
- DaVinci Resolve (Free Version): A professional-grade editor with Fusion, a node-based VFX tool comparable to After Effects.
None of these fully replicate After Effects, but each handles motion graphics and visual effects work without any upfront cost.
