Stardust v1.6.0b for After Effects by Superluminal

Stardust v1.6.0b by Superluminal is a groundbreaking After Effects plugin designed to revolutionize the creation of 3D particle effects and complex visual effects. This powerful tool combines volume rendering with an intuitive node-based interface to provide users with unparalleled creative control and flexibility.

Key Features and Enhancements:

1. Volume Rendering:

   • Advanced Smoke Effects: Create stunning smoke effects using the new volume rendering feature. Stardust seamlessly integrates with your compositing workflow, allowing you to generate photorealistic simulations and publish VDB files to other 3D software for advanced effects.

2. Enhanced Particle Trails and Lines:

   • New Lines Option: Introduces the ability to draw particle trails with dynamic fading, thickness variation, and trail effects. This feature enhances the visual appeal of particle simulations, offering more creative options for your projects.

3. Deflector and Force Improvements:

   • 3D Deflectors: Now with rotation and depth capabilities, these deflectors provide greater control over particle behavior in 3D space. Enhanced reliability prevents issues such as corner leaks and unpredictable bounces.
   • Direction Turbulence: Adds organic motion to particles, improving the natural look of particle dynamics without the need for fluid simulations.

4. 3D Models as Emitters:

   • Import Options: Supports C4D and OBJ files as particle emitters, including features for model wireframe drawing. This flexibility allows for creative manipulation and interaction with 3D objects in your effects.

5. Updated Gradient Editor and Presets:

   • Advanced Gradient Tools: The revamped gradient editor includes features like flip, space actions, undo/redo, and a random gradient generator. New color and alpha presets enhance the ease and enjoyment of your particle color workflow.

6. User-Friendly Interface:

   • Modular Workflow: The node-based interface simplifies the creation of complex particle systems. Easily start with presets or build custom setups from scratch, all within a unified 3D space.
   • Intelligent Presets: Quickly load or replace presets with a single click, and search for presets using keywords to streamline your workflow.

7. Physical Particles and Effects:

   • Interactive Particles: Particles and 3D models can interact, collide, and influence each other while responding to various forces, making it easy to create dynamic and visually compelling animations.

8. 3D Widgets and Space Deformers:

   • Enhanced Control: New 3D widgets and space deformers like spheres, boxes, and displacement maps allow you to manipulate particles in creative ways, pushing and pulling them for unique effects.

9. Replica and Splines:

   • Innovative Replication: Utilize the Replica tool to create diverse particle arrangements and effects. Emit particles from text, masks, or paths, and combine multiple layers for complex animations.

10. Comprehensive System Integration:

    • Support for 3D Models: Render 3D models from OBJ files, primitives, and extruded shapes as particles. Include image-based lighting and ambient occlusion for enhanced realism.

System Requirements and Compatibility: Stardust v1.6.0b is compatible with both Windows and macOS platforms. It integrates seamlessly with Adobe After Effects, providing a powerful toolset for professional visual effects and motion graphics.

Conclusion:

Stardust v1.6.0b by Superluminal is an advanced plugin that transforms the creation of 3D particle effects and visual effects in After Effects. With its innovative features, including volume rendering, enhanced particle simulations, and a user-friendly node-based interface, Stardust offers unmatched flexibility and creative potential. Elevate your visual effects projects and explore new possibilities with this comprehensive tool.