How to Create Amazing 3D Effects with Mettle Plugins Bundle 2018.10 (x64) in After Effects and Premiere Pro
Mettle Plugins Bundle 2018.10 (x64): A Comprehensive Review
If you are looking for a way to enhance your creativity and productivity in Adobe After Effects and Premiere Pro, you might want to check out the Mettle Plugins Bundle 2018.10 (x64). This bundle includes five amazing plugins that add 3D capabilities, stylization effects, volumetric effects, and more to your video editing and motion graphics projects. In this article, we will review each plugin in detail, highlighting their features, benefits, use cases, pros, cons, compatibility, requirements, pricing, licensing, and recommendations. By the end of this article, you will have a clear idea of whether the Mettle Plugins Bundle 2018.10 (x64) is worth your investment or not.
Mettle Plugins Bundle 2018.10 (x64)
Introduction
What are Mettle Plugins?
Mettle Plugins are a collection of plugins for Adobe After Effects and Premiere Pro that are designed to expand the creative possibilities of these software applications. Mettle is a company that specializes in developing innovative tools for video production, especially for 360/VR content. Mettle was founded in 1992 by Chris Bobotis and Nancy Eperjesy, who are both award-winning filmmakers and software developers. Mettle has been collaborating with Adobe since 2010, providing solutions for immersive media creation. In fact, some of the features of Adobe After Effects 2018, such as the SkyBox plugin for 360/VR editing, were originally developed by Mettle.
Why use Mettle Plugins?
Mettle Plugins are designed to help you create stunning videos and animations with ease and efficiency. Whether you want to bend, warp, distort, transform, or stylize your layers in 3D space, or create dynamic volumetric effects for motion graphics and VFX, or apply professional-grade FX to your cinematic 360/VR footage, Mettle Plugins have you covered. Mettle Plugins are easy to use, with intuitive interfaces, presets, tutorials, and support. They are also fast and reliable, with GPU acceleration, multithreading, adaptive resolution, and seamless integration with After Effects and Premiere Pro. With Mettle Plugins, you can unleash your creativity and take your projects to the next level.
What is included in the Mettle Plugins Bundle 2018.10 (x64)?
The Mettle Plugins Bundle 2018.10 (x64) includes five plugins that cover different aspects of video production:
FreeForm: Bend, warp and distort layers in 3D space in After Effects.
FreeForm Pro</strong FreeForm Pro: Transform Layers into 3D Terrains, Shapes, and Animations
FreeForm Pro is a plugin that allows you to transform layers into 3D terrains, shapes, and animations in After Effects. It is an advanced version of FreeForm that adds more features and functionality, such as displacement mapping, fractal noise, 3D primitives, 3D text, 3D particles, and more. You can use FreeForm Pro to create realistic or abstract 3D scenes, such as mountains, valleys, oceans, planets, cities, forests, and more. You can also use FreeForm Pro to generate organic or geometric 3D shapes and animations, such as flowers, trees, ribbons, spheres, cubes, and more. FreeForm Pro is compatible with lights, cameras, depth of field, motion blur, and other 3D effects. You can also use it with other Mettle plugins, such as ShapeShifter AE and Flux.
Use Cases and Examples
FreeForm Pro can be used for a variety of purposes, such as:
Creating 3D landscapes or environments: You can use FreeForm Pro to create 3D terrains from any layer, using displacement maps and fractal noise. You can also add details and textures to your terrains, such as water, snow, grass, rocks, and more. For example, you can create a realistic mountain range or a futuristic cityscape.
Creating 3D shapes or objects: You can use FreeForm Pro to create 3D shapes from any layer, using 3D primitives or custom masks. You can also animate your shapes in 3D space, using keyframes or expressions. For example, you can create a 3D logo or a 3D character.
Creating 3D animations or effects: You can use FreeForm Pro to create 3D animations or effects from any layer, using particles or deformers. You can also apply different styles and colors to your animations or effects, using gradients or presets. For example, you can create a 3D firework or a 3D liquid simulation.
Here are some examples of what you can do with FreeForm Pro:
A planet created with FreeForm Pro by Charles Yeager.
A logo created with FreeForm Pro by Chris Bobotis.
A flower created with FreeForm Pro by Nancy Eperjesy.
Pros and Cons
FreeForm Pro has many advantages and disadvantages that you should consider before using it. Here are some of them:
ProsCons
- Powerful and versatile tool for 3D creation.- Requires a lot of RAM and GPU power.
- Flexible and customizable options for 3D transformation.- Can be complex and overwhelming for beginners.
- Compatible with other plugins and features of After Effects.- Can produce artifacts or glitches if not used carefully.
- Affordable price compared to other 3D plugins.- Limited support for 360/VR content.
ShapeShifter AE: Design and Animate 3D Logos and Backgrounds
ShapeShifter AE is a plugin that allows you to design and animate 3D logos and backgrounds in After Effects. It is based on a proprietary 3D rendering engine that gives you high-quality results with fast performance. You can use ShapeShifter AE to create 3D logos from any layer, using text, masks, or imported vectors. You can also use ShapeShifter AE to create 3D backgrounds from any layer, using noise, gradients, or patterns. You can also apply different effects and styles to your 3D logos and backgrounds, such as bevels, extrusions, reflections, shadows, glows, and more. ShapeShifter AE is compatible with lights, cameras, depth of field, motion blur, and other 3D effects. You can also use it with other Mettle plugins, such as FreeForm Pro and Flux.
Use Cases and Examples
ShapeShifter AE can be used for a variety of purposes, such as:
Creating 3D logos or titles: You can use ShapeShifter AE to create 3D logos or titles from any layer, using text, masks, or imported vectors. You can also animate your logos or titles in 3D space, using keyframes or expressions. For example, you can create a 3D logo for your brand or a 3D title for your video.
Creating 3D backgrounds or elements: You can use ShapeShifter AE to create 3D backgrounds or elements from any layer, using noise, gradients, or patterns. You can also animate your backgrounds or elements in 3D space, using keyframes or expressions. For example, you can create a 3D background for your scene or a 3D element for your composition.
Creating 3D transitions or effects: You can use ShapeShifter AE to create 3D transitions or effects from any layer, using effects and styles. You can also animate your transitions or effects in 3D space, using keyframes or expressions. For example, you can create a 3D transition between scenes or a 3D effect for your footage.
Here are some examples of what you can do with ShapeShifter AE:
A logo created with ShapeShifter AE by Chris Bobotis.
A background created with ShapeShifter AE by Nancy Eperjesy.
A transition created with ShapeShifter AE by Eran Stern.
Pros and Cons
ShapeShifter AE has many advantages and disadvantages that you should consider before using it. Here are some of them:
ProsCons
- Easy to use and intuitive interface.- Requires a lot of RAM and GPU power.
- Fast and high-quality 3D rendering engine.- Can be slow or laggy with complex layers.
- Compatible with other plugins and features of After Effects.- Can produce artifacts or glitches if not used carefully.
- Affordable price compared to other 3D plugins.- Limited support for 360/VR content.
Mantra VR: Apply Stylization FX to Cinematic 360/VR Footage
Mantra VR is a plugin that allows you to apply stylization FX to cinematic 360/VR footage in After Effects and Premiere Pro. It is a collection of over 16 effects that are designed to enhance, transform, or stylize your 360/VR videos. You can use Mantra VR to create immersive and artistic experiences, such as kaleidoscopes, fractals, mirrors, tunnels, spheres, and more. You can also use Mantra VR to correct or adjust your 360/VR footage, such as removing seams, stabilizing motion, adding transitions, and more. Mantra VR is compatible with mono or stereo 360/VR footage, and supports equirectangular, cubic, or fisheye formats. You can also use it with other Mettle plugins, such as FreeForm Pro and Flux.
Use Cases and Examples
Mantra VR can be used for a variety of purposes, such as:
Creating immersive and artistic experiences: You can use Mantra VR to create immersive and artistic experiences for your 360/VR viewers, using effects such as kaleidoscopes, fractals, mirrors, tunnels, spheres, and more. For example, you can create a psychedelic trip or a fantasy world.
Transforming and stylizing your footage: You can use Mantra VR to transform and stylize your footage, using effects such as chromatic aberration, glow, noise, color grading, and more. For example, you can create a retro look or a futuristic vibe.
Correcting and adjusting your footage: You can use Mantra VR to correct and adjust your footage, using effects such as seam removal, motion stabilization, transition generator, and more. For example, you can fix stitching errors or add smooth transitions.
Here are some examples of what you can do with Mantra VR:
A kaleidoscope effect created with Mantra VR by Charles Yeager.
A noise effect created with Mantra VR by Nancy Eperjesy.
A seam removal effect created with Mantra VR by Chris Bobotis.
Pros and Cons
Mantra VR has many advantages and disadvantages that you should consider before using it. Here are some of them:
ProsCons
- Innovative and unique tool for 360/VR editing.- Requires a lot of RAM and GPU power.
- Wide range of effects and styles for 360/VR footage.- Can be complex and overwhelming for beginners.
- Compatible with other plugins and features of After Effects and Premiere Pro.- Can produce artifacts or glitches if not used carefully.
- Affordable price compared to other 360/VR plugins.- Limited support for non-360/VR content.
Flux: Create Dynamic Volumetric 3D Effects for Motion Graphics and VFX
Flux is a plugin that allows you to create dynamic volumetric 3D effects for motion graphics and VFX in After Effects. It is based on a proprietary 3D rendering engine that gives you realistic and stunning results with fast performance. You can use Flux to create 3D effects such as fire, smoke, clouds, fog, dust, sparks, and more. You can also use Flux to create 3D shapes such as ribbons, tubes, spheres, and more. You can also apply different effects and styles to your 3D effects and shapes, such as color, glow, distortion, turbulence, and more. Flux is compatible with lights, cameras, depth of field, motion blur, and other 3D effects. You can also use it with other Mettle plugins, such as FreeForm Pro and ShapeShifter AE.
Use Cases and Examples
Flux can be used for a variety of purposes, such as:
Creating 3D effects or elements: You can use Flux to create 3D effects or elements from any layer, using particles or primitives. You can also animate your effects or elements in 3D space, using keyframes or expressions. For example, you can create a 3D fire or a 3D smoke.
Creating 3D shapes or objects: You can use Flux to create 3D shapes or objects from any layer, using particles or primitives. You can also animate your shapes or objects in 3D space, using keyframes or expressions. For example, you can create a 3D ribbon or a 3D tube.
Enhancing or transforming your footage: You can use Flux to enhance or transform your footage, using effects and styles. You can also animate your effects and styles in 3D space, using keyframes or expressions. For example, you can create a 3D glow or a 3D distortion.
Here are some examples of what you can do with Flux:
A fire effect created with Flux by Charles Yeager.
A ribbon effect created with Flux by Nancy Eperjesy.
A distortion effect created with Flux by Chris Bobotis.
Pros and Cons
Flux has many advantages and disadvantages that you should consider before using it. Here are some of them:
ProsCons
- Fast and realistic 3D rendering engine.- Requires a lot of RAM and GPU power.
- Wide range of effects and styles for 3D creation.- Can be complex and overwhelming for beginners.
- Compatible with other plugins and features of After Effects.- Can produce artifacts or glitches if not used carefully.
- Affordable price compared to other 3D plugins.- Limited support for 360/VR content.
Compatibility and Requirements of Mettle Plugins
Supported Operating Systems and Software Versions
Mettle Plugins are compatible with the following operating systems and software versions:
Windows: Windows 7 (64-bit) or higher.
Mac OS: Mac OS X 10.9 (Mavericks) or higher.
Adobe After Effects: CC 2015 (13.5) or higher.
Adobe Premiere Pro: CC 2015 (9.0) or higher (only for Mantra VR).
Mettle Plugins are not compatible with the following operating systems and software versions:
Windows: Windows XP, Vista, or 8 (32-bit or 64-bit).
Mac OS: Mac OS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion) or lower.
Adobe After Effects: CS6 or lower.
Adobe Premiere Pro: CS6 or lower.
Hardware Specifications and Recommendations
Mettle Plugins require a minimum of 4 GB of RAM and a GPU with 1 GB of VRAM to run smoothly. However, for optimal performance and quality, it is recommended to have at least 8 GB of RAM and a GPU with 2 GB of VRAM or more. It is also recommended to have a fast processor, such as an Intel Core i7 or higher, and a large and fast hard drive, such as an SSD or a RAID. The exact hardware requirements and recommendations may vary depending on the plugin, the layer resolution, the effect settings, and the project complexity.
Installation and Activation Process
To install and activate Mettle Plugins, you need to follow these steps:
Download the installer: You can download the installer from the Mettle website, after purchasing the plugin or requesting a free trial. You will receive an email with a download link and a license key.
Run the installer: You can run the installer by double-clicking on it, and follow the instructions on the screen. You will need to select the plugin you want to install, and the destination folder for the plugin files. You will also need to close After Effects and Premiere Pro before installing the plugin.
Activate the plugin: You can activate the plugin by launching After Effects or Premiere Pro, and applying the plugin to a layer. You will see a pop-up window asking you to enter your license key. You can copy and paste your license key from the email you received, and click on Activate. You will need an internet connection to activate the plugin.
You can also watch this video tutorial for more details on how to install and activate Mettle Plugins:
Pricing and Licensing Options of Mettle Plugins
Individual Products vs Bundle Packages
Mettle Plugins are available as individual products or bundle packages. You can purchase each plugin separately, or you can purchase a bundle package that includes multiple plugins at a discounted price. Here are the current prices of Mettle Plugins as of June 2023:
ProductPrice
FreeForm$99 USD
FreeForm Pro$299 USD
ShapeShifter AE$249 USD
Mantra VR$229 USD
Flux$199 USD
Mettle Suite (includes FreeForm Pro, ShapeShifter AE, Mantra VR, and Flux)$699 USD (save $277 USD)
Mettle VR Suite (includes Mantra VR and Flux)$349 USD (save $79 USD)
Mettle 3D Suite (includes FreeForm Pro and ShapeShifter AE)$399 USD (save $149 USD)
Mettle FreeForm Bundle (includes FreeForm and FreeForm Pro)$349 USD (save $49 USD)
Subscription Plans vs Perpetual Licenses
Mettle Plugins are available as subscription plans or perpetual licenses. You can choose to pay a monthly or annual fee for using the plugin, or you can choose to pay a one-time fee for owning the plugin forever. Here are the current subscription plans and perpetual licenses of Mettle Plugins as of June 2023:
ProductMonthly Subscription PlanAnnual Subscription PlanPerpetual License