Stardust
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Compatibility After Effects Please check exact version compatibility under the "COMPATIBILITY" tab below
Stardust works in AE 2024, please use the aescripts + aeplugins manager app to install it.
Stardust version 1.6 introduces a new and exciting feature - Volume Rendering: Create beautiful and captivating smoke effects from any particle system setup. Import VDB files from other 3D packages for stunning simulations to control and render with AE’s camera inside your composition for easy and seamless integration with your compositing workflow.
Stardust is an innovative Adobe After Effects plug-in for the creation of stunning particle and object-based motion graphics and effects. Its groundbreaking interface allows for combining 3D models, particles, effects, and more, all existing and interacting in one shared space, enabling unparalleled integration between powerful tools delivering creative expression never before possible in After Effects. Make your vision come to life using 3D physics, Replica animation engine, 3D Model Library, and hundreds of other features. Easily create complex effects using any of the hundreds of shipped presets, or build setups ground up using the modular workflow.
Awesome! Stardust combines the functionality of Element 3d with most of the Trapcode Plugins and adds even more to it!
— Christian Lengger (@MotionEmbassy) September 21, 2017
That looks amazing and looks like it might save me a fortune having to learn c4d
— Mark Warner (@markWarnerTV) September 20, 2017
After a few months of using Stardust, I can say the thing is very powerful. Has potential to be industry standard in AE for particles.
— VinhSon Nguyen (@CreativeDojo) January 23, 2017
What Superluminal has done with their particle engine inside AE deserves a standing applause.
— James (@friedpixels) November 23, 2016
Not a question for me. It's a buy!
— Edward Muzhevskyi (@EddyIndie) April 27, 2018
Buy. It's like Particular and Form had a baby with superpowers.
— uniquefx (@uniquefxnet) April 29, 2018
{ mograph } The best deal in motion graphics just keeps getting better – the @superluminal_tv team is building a mograph particle Swiss Army knife INSIDE @AdobeAE. https://t.co/5dnaONCtHE
— Ryan Summers (@Oddernod) July 6, 2018
Foremost, Stardust will be able to use 3D models as particle instances, opening up a whole new realm of possibilities ... Most importantly, everything is in one shared space. This makes Stardust the ultimate tool for After Effects where 3D and 2D particles can work within the same space...
- Stardust review on lesterbanks.com
VOLUME RENDER
Create beautiful and captivating smoke effects from any particle system setup. Import VDB files from other 3D packages for stunning simulations to control and render with AE’s camera inside your composition for easy and seamless integration with your compositing workflow.
VOLUME
Integrating the world renowned openVDB technology seamlessly into Stardust, Volume objects can easily be created. Convert entire particle systems and models to volumes, and manipulate the result with various tools such as booleans, filters, noise and more.
VOLUMETRIC LIGHTING
3D volumetric lighting for atmospheric effects, vast rendering speed improvements for basic particle types, expanded render capabilities, compositing helpers such as Shadow Catcher materials and Shadow output, animation tools improvements, workflow helpers such as OBJ file importer and a host of other additions to the toolset.
PHYSICAL PARTICLES
Particles and Models can interact, collide and affect each other while being affected by forces, allowing for the creation of stunning animation with ease.
Render 3D Models
Take your particles to a whole new dimension. Render 3D models from OBJ Files, Primitives and Extruded shapes as particles, add some Image Based Lighting, Ambient Occlusion and you got super awesomeness.
Features
Modular 3D particle system for After Effects.
Node based interface to easily build complex systems in a single 3D space.
Add or replace smart presets in one click.
Replica, a unique tool to replicate particles in many exciting ways.
Countless particle effects for both 3D and 2D looks.
Emitters, Particles, Replica, Forces, Auxiliary Emitters, 3D Models, Text & Mask and Maps with Physics Simulation.
Space deformers, Sphere, Box, 3d Models, Bend, Twist, Maps, Black Hole.
Splines, animatable as paths and emitters.
Containers to enclose and/or emit particles in a sphere, box or 3D model.
Particles
One Tool, in a single 3D space, all on one layer with endless possibilities. It is a full featured particle system with forces, fields, motion blur, DOF and much more.
Modular
A breakthrough, easy-to-use, node based interface. Start with a preset or create your own nodes. Many emitters, particles and forces can be added, and have them all work in a single 3D space on one layer. This makes it super easy to create simple or complex particle systems to achieve new and exciting results.
Replica
Rethink what a particle system can do! Create beautiful motion graphics by replicating particles in many ways. With Replica you can create unique designs: organic, techy, the options are limitless.
Space Deformers
Spheres, boxes, 3d models, displacement maps and more can be used to push, pull, enclose, color and move particles around. Blackhole nodes can be used to attract particles over time.
Smart Presets
The easy-to-use smart preset browser allows you to load an entire setup, node or single parameter with a single click. There are loads of stunning presets to choose from. Presets can now be searched using any keyword or phrase as well as browsed. You can also replace your existing node tree with a preset in one click.
3D Models
Particles can be emitted along a 3D model’s vertices or from its volume.
Grids
With Stardust's unique and easy-to-use modular workflow grids can be used as a starting point for endless options and dazzling results.
Splines
Defined using After Effect's lights, create 3D lines or particle emitting 3D paths to create looks not easily achieved otherwise.
Text & Mask
Particles can be emitted from live text and masks, either from their volume or edges. Paths can then be trimmed, offset and controlled in many ways to create never seen before effects.
All in One Tool
Because of Stardust's ground-breaking node system, you don't need to use a second layer to achieve complex effects. You can add as many nodes and parameters as you need to a single instance on one layer.
Single 3D space
There are countless benefits to having everything in a single 3D space. Focus on creating!
SAMPLE OF INCLUDED PRESETS
System Requirements
After Effects CC2015 and later , GPU with OpenGL 3.3 and later is required to render 3D models. 1 GB of RAM, 100 MB of hard drive space. Minimum screen resolution 1920 x1200.
After Effects | 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, CC 2019, CC 2018, CC 2017, CC 2015.3 |
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Stardust macOS Apple Silicon ONLY
1.6.0c (Current version) - Apr 12, 2024
- Added manual install option
1.6.0 - Oct 19, 2022
1.6.0 - Oct 19, 2022
1.6.0 M1 Beta - Mar 29, 2022
Stardust macOS
1.6.0c (Current version) - Apr 12, 2024
- Added manual install option
1.6.0b - Oct 19, 2022
1.6.0a - Mar 12, 2021
1.6.0 - Jul 10, 2020
- Refreshed Panel UI: New Nodes design and colors.
- Physics: Save and Load State - Save Physics initial state.
- Model: Replicate using Null - Replicate a 3D model using AE Nulls.
- Physics: Air density - Add animatable air density.
- Material: Stencil - Added option to set a material as Stencil.
- Physics: Properties Time sample - Sample physics properties at current time / particle
birth.
- Models: UV repeat and offset.
- Stardust Studio: Studio Lights - Add custom lights to Studio Camera.
- Model: Export OBJ - Export current model as an OBJ file.
- Particle: Limit rotations - Set particle random rotation to fixed values. e.g. 90 degrees.
- Emitter: Added Light emitter size .
- Graph: Added Flip option.
- Physics: Turbulence Over life.
- Aux: Fixed an issue with invisible particles.
1.5.0a - Nov 11, 2019
- Catalina Compatibility
1.5.0 - Aug 14, 2019
- Volume workflow - Create striking looks, meshing particles and 3d models into
volumes using the renowned OpenVDB technology. Create complex intersections and manipulations of volumes using Stardust’s highly flexible modular design.
- 3D Wireframes - New OBJ Emitter options to emit from model edges.
- Extrude Edges - Extrude Masks and Text Edges to create fine hollow bodies.
- Transparent material - Affect transparency by surface facing towards or away
from the camera, to achieve an X-ray like effect.
- Transparent material - New option allows to affect the DOF.
- Normal Map from Bump - Convert bump map (any grayscale image) to a normal
map, to easily create procedural materials inside AE.
- Stardust panel additions
-Auto Connect Node - Connect a node between two linked nodes by dragging on top of the connection line until it turns green.
-Detach - Alt + drag a middle node to disconnect it and have the two surrounding nodes link directly.
-Multi-Connect - Shift click a connector, and use the green link line to connect to multiple nodes.
-Right click to create nodes, or group selected nodes.
- Preview - Fast preview of 3D setups as wireframe / flat / flat shaded.
- Path Emitters - Emit range: Controls the emit range of the path.
- Ambient Occlusion - New option allowing to tint the AO color.
- Specular - New option to adjust the specular amount.
- Model Node - New option to normalize scale and align the model to its sides.
- UV Map - New option to apply planar mapping to a 3D model.
Fixes
- SSAO - fixed an issue with objects near the image border.
- Physics - fixed inherited null scale issue.
- Physics - fixed an issue with Path manipulator and single models.
1.4.1 - Apr 7, 2019
- Fixed an issue of failed render on some Nvidia GPUs in Windows.
1.4.1 - Apr 7, 2019
- Fixed an issue of failed render on some Nvidia GPUs in Windows.
1.4.0 - Apr 2, 2019
- GPU Circles / Clouds - Vastly accelerated circle and cloud particles render using GPU.
- Overall performance improvements and workflow streamlining.
- Mesh smooth - Refine Model meshes.
- DOF - Better quality controlled by the render setting.
- Shadow Catcher Material - Shadows get rendered on an otherwise transparent surface.
- New Render Outputs - Shadow, Volumetric.
- Fog - Add volumetric Fog effect to the scene.
- Offset Emitter Time (Pre-Run) - Time-shift specific emitters to set initial state.
- OBJ file import - Native OBJ File imported into project for complete project files collection.
- Reflection - New: Affect distortion by surface normals.
- Maps - Added: Density property.
- Replica - Added: Orient to spline path.
- Fix - Single model - studio cam.
- Fix - Layer emitter - skip empty alpha.
- Misc Bug fixes
1.3.1 - Nov 26, 2018
- Misc bug fixes
1.3.0 - Nov 2, 2018
- Connect – connect physical particles to each other using various constraint types, for creating Springs and Chains.
- Planar reflection – Have object reflect off of planes.
- Model Path Deform – Deform models in 3D space using masks or paths defined with AE lights.
- Groups – Transform model parts by OBJ groups.
- Subsurface scattering – Create organic lighting look for surfaces.
- New Material options – Refraction , Emissive , Adjust Environment and Reflection .
- Model node as emitter source – Create emitter source with model node and apply deformers.
- Speed – Up to 15% faster render.
- Gloss / Roughness – Inverted for easier import PBR materials.
- Model node – Added segments to extruded path for better deformation.
- Model node – Auto load 3D Model material textures on import.
- Model node – Respect node active state when connected to particle nodes.
- Particle node – Set ‘Use model’ to either ‘All’ or ‘Random’ for when multiple model nodes are connected.
- Transform node – Use Null layer for easier transformation control.
- Physics -Better interactive responsiveness while tweaking physical particles.
- Physical forces – New spherical type: ‘Particle birth’. used to attract particles to their birth position.
- Physics forces – New parameter for spherical forces: ‘To distance’. Factors the distance to the influence.
- Main effect render options – Make environment layer visible in render.
- Main effect render options -Select ‘Helpers’ render color.
- Z buffer – 3D models will respect external Z-buffer and obstruction layer.
- Fixed an issue where normal bump map would give incorrect results.
- Fixed an issue that may slow render in machines with many cpu cores.
1.2.1 - Sep 3, 2018
- Fixes a crash related to Applying Presets.
- Fixes a crash related to Low Memory.
- Fixes a crash related to Replica - Corners.
1.2.0 - Jul 11, 2018
- Physical Particles - Make particles and 3D models collide and interact with each other.
- Live Update - Turn on Auto Cache to see the current physical simulation state upon any change.
- Node Workflow - The physical simulation workflow is completely integrated into After effects so simulation elements can be linked to existing composition layers and lights, and the actual result can be viewed directly in the composition while adjusting the animation.
1.1.4 - Apr 26, 2018
- New features to the 3D render engine, Shadows , Additive 3D Models, Environment
shading, and more.
- Simplified work with 3D models, add a 3D model to your comp in seconds.
● Workflow improvements, Multiple video sources, new graph modes.
- More control over particles with Orient over path and more.
In Depth:
- 3D Shadow to models
- Additive transparent Materials
- New Graph mode - Hold
- Easily create video walls with Multiple source videos using the new ‘Layer set’ in the
source node
- Environment shadows - lights affect the Image Based lighting environment
- Presets can save and load render settings such as environment and motion blur.
- Model workflow simplified, just add a model node to add a single instance.
- Model animation simplified, create and parent a model to a 3D null in one click.
- Motion node - added the option to Orient to path.
- Presets - save tags and render settings.
- Misc Bug fixes.
1.1.3.1 - Feb 15, 2018
1.1.3 - Feb 8, 2018
● Deform Node - Deform 3D Models, Apply Turbulence Noise, Bend, Twist, Stretch, Displacement Maps to 3D models.
● Group Node - Collect nodes on the panel in groups.
● Smart Shy - Hide nodes in the Effect Control Window to reduce clutter, and have them automatically show when clicked on in the panel.
● Switches - Fast access for Shy, Solo, Locate, Helpers and more.
● Searchable Presets - Easily find a complete setup, or a starting point.
● Text and Mask Extrude - Faster and Better Extrude, with new presets to start from.
● Stardust Studio Cam - A special camera to examine a single 3D model, for easier texturing and deforming.
● New Presets - Fireworks, Extrude Text and more.
In Depth :
● Deform Node - 3D models
○ Turbulence
○ Bend , Twist, Stretch
○ Sphere
○ Maps
● Switches - Toggle the buttons on the effects, or from the new Contextual menu (right click) on the panel
○ Visibility - Enable or disable nodes
○ Solo - Enable only solo nodes
○ Shy - Hide Effects from the Effect Control Window, and automatically show when selected on the panel
○ Helpers - Render Stardust Helpers for specific nodes
○ Locate - Locate the Node on the panel
○ Master Switches - Switches on main effect control overall solo, shy and helpers behavior. Additional motion blur switch for quick access
● Presets Search - Search the Stardust preset library using any keyword or phrase for quick access.
● Group Node - Collapse and uncollapse the groups in the panel to reduce clutter or expose content.
● Bevel - Faster and Better 3D Text and Mask Extrude
● Lock / Unlock Stardust panel to show the selected Stardust Layer
● Random Texture on 3D particles - Apply a random texture per 3D model.
● Sphere UV texture mapping
● OBJ Emitter - New options to Loop, Delay, Flip and more.
● Maps - New option to offset the map.
● Bug Fixes
1.1.2 - Nov 10, 2017
1.1.1 - Nov 7, 2017
Render 3D models - Render particle instances as 3D models.
Extrude and Bevel Text and Masks.
Create 3D primitives, choose from Cube, Sphere and more.
Physical Materials.
Ambient Occlusion.
Image based lighting.
Export Stardust Presets.
GPU powered.
Bug Fixes :
Fixes an issue when the watermark reappears after restart on some machines.
Other minor bug fixes
0.9.7 - Mar 7, 2017
0.9.6 - Mar 7, 2017
• Source Node - New node to create a source, e.g a layer to be used in several particle systems.
• Replica - Added "Flow" Replica type, that creates flow looking particle replicates.
• Reflections - Added an environment layer that can reflect off of Rectangular / Textured particles.
• Obj Surface emitting - Emit particles from the surface of a 3D Model.
• Textured Particle Use Alpha / Lightness , mix the colour from the particle with the alpha / lightness of the source texture.
• Maps - Added sample quality and more control options.
• Noise channel - Use turbulence generated noise on other nodes.
• Helpers - Added visual cues for some nodes.
• Presets - Added New Presets for Replica Flow, HUDs, Grid and more.
Bug Fixes:
• Fixed a crash related to Light emitter.
• Fixed an issue with Air Density mixed with zero speed particles.
• Fixed an issue with Mask / Text Layer transforms.
• Fixed an issue with reverse time-remap on layer / comp.
• Fixed an issue with motion blur and key-frames.
• Fixed an issue where Line graph would not update after change.
• Fixed an issue where wrong parameters would be displayed.
• Cleanup param names.
0.9.5 - Jan 15, 2017
- New Presets - Swooshes, Diagonal, Texturizer and more.
- Clone Node, a new node for creating independent branches from any point in the flowchart.
- Replica - new options, including Directional and Diagonal.
- Replica - texture offset settings.
- Light emitter - emits evenly from multiple lights by default.
- Nodes full name appears in the panel status bar.
- Splines - added linear corners option.
- Maps - added sample time options: ‘On Birth’ / ‘Current frame’.
- Maps - added control for rotation using source layer.
- Maps - texture by can be assigned by lightness.
- Stencil transfer Mode added to to the particle transfer modes.
- Fixes an issue where duplicating nodes created unexpected results in the panel.
- Fixes an issue where sometimes deleting nodes caused unexpected results in the panel.
- Fixes an issue where sometimes adding nodes while the panel is closed would throw an error.
- Fixes an issue where sometimes when stardust main effect is last in the layer's effect list, it would cause a crash.
- Fixes an issue with Twist Free Axis.
0.9.4 - Dec 26, 2016
• Fire And Smoke with textured particles. Emit from Text , Mask, 3D Models, Outline and Volume. (Requires Apple ProRes codec)
• HUD presets, City, Hexa, Alert and more.
• Graphic Element presets.
• Over Life presets.
- OBJ Emitter , added subdivision option of distance.
- Fixed an issue where on some situations a cancelled frame with textured particles would crash AE.
0.9.3 - Dec 6, 2016
- Fixed an issue with non standard file and folder name Characters (i.e. non-English file paths)
- Fixed a caching issue when setting shading on/off.
- Fixed an issue when setting textured Particle to 'Stretch'.
- Fixed an issue reading OBJ normals.
- Fixed an issue with Shadow color sometimes not updating.
0.9.2 - Nov 23, 2016
- Fixed an issue when selecting OBJ sequence with no valid OBJ file would crash AE.
0.9.1 - Nov 13, 2016
-Fixed conflict with some 3rd party plug-ins.
-Fixed installer issue with deselecting AE versions.
-Fixed a bug where on some machines it would crash when applying a preset.
0.9 - Nov 11, 2016
Stardust Windows
1.6.0c (Current version) - Apr 12, 2024
- Added manual install option
1.6.0b - Oct 27, 2021
1.6.0a - Mar 12, 2021
1.6.0 - Jul 10, 2020
- Refreshed Panel UI: New Nodes design and colors.
- Physics: Save and Load State - Save Physics initial state.
- Model: Replicate using Null - Replicate a 3D model using AE Nulls.
- Physics: Air density - Add animatable air density.
- Material: Stencil - Added option to set a material as Stencil.
- Physics: Properties Time sample - Sample physics properties at current time / particle
birth.
- Models: UV repeat and offset.
- Stardust Studio: Studio Lights - Add custom lights to Studio Camera.
- Model: Export OBJ - Export current model as an OBJ file.
- Particle: Limit rotations - Set particle random rotation to fixed values. e.g. 90 degrees.
- Emitter: Added Light emitter size .
- Graph: Added Flip option.
- Physics: Turbulence Over life.
- Aux: Fixed an issue with invisible particles.
1.5.0a - Nov 7, 2019
1.5.0 - Aug 14, 2019
- Volume workflow - Create striking looks, meshing particles and 3d models into
volumes using the renowned OpenVDB technology. Create complex intersections and manipulations of volumes using Stardust’s highly flexible modular design.
- 3D Wireframes - New OBJ Emitter options to emit from model edges.
- Extrude Edges - Extrude Masks and Text Edges to create fine hollow bodies.
- Transparent material - Affect transparency by surface facing towards or away
from the camera, to achieve an X-ray like effect.
- Transparent material - New option allows to affect the DOF.
- Normal Map from Bump - Convert bump map (any grayscale image) to a normal
map, to easily create procedural materials inside AE.
- Stardust panel additions
-Auto Connect Node - Connect a node between two linked nodes by dragging on top of the connection line until it turns green.
-Detach - Alt + drag a middle node to disconnect it and have the two surrounding nodes link directly.
-Multi-Connect - Shift click a connector, and use the green link line to connect to multiple nodes.
-Right click to create nodes, or group selected nodes.
- Preview - Fast preview of 3D setups as wireframe / flat / flat shaded.
- Path Emitters - Emit range: Controls the emit range of the path.
- Ambient Occlusion - New option allowing to tint the AO color.
- Specular - New option to adjust the specular amount.
- Model Node - New option to normalize scale and align the model to its sides.
- UV Map - New option to apply planar mapping to a 3D model.
Fixes
- SSAO - fixed an issue with objects near the image border.
- Physics - fixed inherited null scale issue.
- Physics - fixed an issue with Path manipulator and single models.
1.4.1 - Apr 7, 2019
- Fixed an issue of failed render on some Nvidia GPUs in Windows.
1.4.1 - Apr 7, 2019
- Fixed an issue of failed render on some Nvidia GPUs in Windows.
1.4.0 - Apr 2, 2019
- GPU Circles / Clouds - Vastly accelerated circle and cloud particles render using GPU.
- Overall performance improvements and workflow streamlining.
- Mesh smooth - Refine Model meshes.
- DOF - Better quality controlled by the render setting.
- Shadow Catcher Material - Shadows get rendered on an otherwise transparent surface.
- New Render Outputs - Shadow, Volumetric.
- Fog - Add volumetric Fog effect to the scene.
- Offset Emitter Time (Pre-Run) - Time-shift specific emitters to set initial state.
- OBJ file import - Native OBJ File imported into project for complete project files collection.
- Reflection - New: Affect distortion by surface normals.
- Maps - Added: Density property.
- Replica - Added: Orient to spline path.
- Fix - Single model - studio cam.
- Fix - Layer emitter - skip empty alpha.
- Misc Bug fixes
1.3.1 - Nov 26, 2018
- Misc bug fixes
1.3.0 - Nov 2, 2018
- Connect – connect physical particles to each other using various constraint types, for creating Springs and Chains.
- Planar reflection – Have object reflect off of planes.
- Model Path Deform – Deform models in 3D space using masks or paths defined with AE lights.
- Groups – Transform model parts by OBJ groups.
- Subsurface scattering – Create organic lighting look for surfaces.
- New Material options – Refraction , Emissive , Adjust Environment and Reflection .
- Model node as emitter source – Create emitter source with model node and apply deformers.
- Speed – Up to 15% faster render.
- Gloss / Roughness – Inverted for easier import PBR materials.
- Model node – Added segments to extruded path for better deformation.
- Model node – Auto load 3D Model material textures on import.
- Model node – Respect node active state when connected to particle nodes.
- Particle node – Set ‘Use model’ to either ‘All’ or ‘Random’ for when multiple model nodes are connected.
- Transform node – Use Null layer for easier transformation control.
- Physics -Better interactive responsiveness while tweaking physical particles.
- Physical forces – New spherical type: ‘Particle birth’. used to attract particles to their birth position.
- Physics forces – New parameter for spherical forces: ‘To distance’. Factors the distance to the influence.
- Main effect render options – Make environment layer visible in render.
- Main effect render options -Select ‘Helpers’ render color.
- Z buffer – 3D models will respect external Z-buffer and obstruction layer.
- Fixed an issue where normal bump map would give incorrect results.
- Fixed an issue that may slow render in machines with many cpu cores.
1.2.1 - Sep 3, 2018
- Fixes a crash related to Applying Presets.
- Fixes a crash related to Low Memory.
- Fixes a crash related to Replica - Corners.
1.2.0 - Jul 17, 2018
- Physical Particles - Make particles and 3D models collide and interact with each other.
- Live Update - Turn on Auto Cache to see the current physical simulation state upon any change.
- Node Workflow - The physical simulation workflow is completely integrated into After effects so simulation elements can be linked to existing composition layers and lights, and the actual result can be viewed directly in the composition while adjusting the animation.
1.1.4 - Apr 26, 2018
- New features to the 3D render engine, Shadows , Additive 3D Models, Environment
shading, and more.
- Simplified work with 3D models, add a 3D model to your comp in seconds.
● Workflow improvements, Multiple video sources, new graph modes.
- More control over particles with Orient over path and more.
In Depth:
- 3D Shadow to models
- Additive transparent Materials
- New Graph mode - Hold
- Easily create video walls with Multiple source videos using the new ‘Layer set’ in the
source node
- Environment shadows - lights affect the Image Based lighting environment
- Presets can save and load render settings such as environment and motion blur.
- Model workflow simplified, just add a model node to add a single instance.
- Model animation simplified, create and parent a model to a 3D null in one click.
- Motion node - added the option to Orient to path.
- Presets - save tags and render settings.
- Misc Bug fixes.
1.1.3.1 - Feb 15, 2018
1.1.3 - Feb 8, 2018
● Deform Node - Deform 3D Models, Apply Turbulence Noise, Bend, Twist, Stretch, Displacement Maps to 3D models.
● Group Node - Collect nodes on the panel in groups.
● Smart Shy - Hide nodes in the Effect Control Window to reduce clutter, and have them automatically show when clicked on in the panel.
● Switches - Fast access for Shy, Solo, Locate, Helpers and more.
● Searchable Presets - Easily find a complete setup, or a starting point.
● Text and Mask Extrude - Faster and Better Extrude, with new presets to start from.
● Stardust Studio Cam - A special camera to examine a single 3D model, for easier texturing and deforming.
● New Presets - Fireworks, Extrude Text and more.
In Depth :
● Deform Node - 3D models
○ Turbulence
○ Bend , Twist, Stretch
○ Sphere
○ Maps
● Switches - Toggle the buttons on the effects, or from the new Contextual menu (right click) on the panel
○ Visibility - Enable or disable nodes
○ Solo - Enable only solo nodes
○ Shy - Hide Effects from the Effect Control Window, and automatically show when selected on the panel
○ Helpers - Render Stardust Helpers for specific nodes
○ Locate - Locate the Node on the panel
○ Master Switches - Switches on main effect control overall solo, shy and helpers behavior. Additional motion blur switch for quick access
● Presets Search - Search the Stardust preset library using any keyword or phrase for quick access.
● Group Node - Collapse and uncollapse the groups in the panel to reduce clutter or expose content.
● Bevel - Faster and Better 3D Text and Mask Extrude
● Lock / Unlock Stardust panel to show the selected Stardust Layer
● Random Texture on 3D particles - Apply a random texture per 3D model.
● Sphere UV texture mapping
● OBJ Emitter - New options to Loop, Delay, Flip and more.
● Maps - New option to offset the map.
● Bug Fixes
1.1.2 - Nov 9, 2017
1.1.1 - Nov 7, 2017
Render 3D models - Render particle instances as 3D models.
Extrude and Bevel Text and Masks.
Create 3D primitives, choose from Cube, Sphere and more.
Physical Materials.
Ambient Occlusion.
Image based lighting.
Export Stardust Presets.
GPU powered.
Bug Fixes :
Fixes an issue when the watermark reappears after restart on some machines.
Other minor bug fixes
0.9.7 - Mar 7, 2017
0.9.6 - Mar 7, 2017
• Source Node - New node to create a source, e.g a layer to be used in several particle systems.
• Replica - Added "Flow" Replica type, that creates flow looking particle replicates.
• Reflections - Added an environment layer that can reflect off of Rectangular / Textured particles.
• Obj Surface emitting - Emit particles from the surface of a 3D Model.
• Textured Particle Use Alpha / Lightness , mix the colour from the particle with the alpha / lightness of the source texture.
• Maps - Added sample quality and more control options.
• Noise channel - Use turbulence generated noise on other nodes.
• Helpers - Added visual cues for some nodes.
• Presets - Added New Presets for Replica Flow, HUDs, Grid and more.
Bug Fixes:
• Fixed a crash related to Light emitter.
• Fixed an issue with Air Density mixed with zero speed particles.
• Fixed an issue with Mask / Text Layer transforms.
• Fixed an issue with reverse time-remap on layer / comp.
• Fixed an issue with motion blur and key-frames.
• Fixed an issue where Line graph would not update after change.
• Fixed an issue where wrong parameters would be displayed.
• Cleanup param names.
0.9.5 - Jan 17, 2017
- New Presets - Swooshes, Diagonal, Texturizer and more.
- Clone Node, a new node for creating independent branches from any point in the flowchart.
- Replica - new options, including Directional and Diagonal.
- Replica - texture offset settings.
- Light emitter - emits evenly from multiple lights by default.
- Nodes full name appears in the panel status bar.
- Splines - added linear corners option.
- Maps - added sample time options: ‘On Birth’ / ‘Current frame’.
- Maps - added control for rotation using source layer.
- Maps - texture by can be assigned by lightness.
- Stencil transfer Mode added to to the particle transfer modes.
- Fixes an issue where duplicating nodes created unexpected results in the panel.
- Fixes an issue where sometimes deleting nodes caused unexpected results in the panel.
- Fixes an issue where sometimes adding nodes while the panel is closed would throw an error.
- Fixes an issue where sometimes when stardust main effect is last in the layer's effect list, it would cause a crash.
- Fixes an issue with Twist Free Axis.
0.9.4 - Dec 26, 2016
• Fire And Smoke with textured particles. Emit from Text , Mask, 3D Models, Outline and Volume. (Requires Apple ProRes codec)
• HUD presets, City, Hexa, Alert and more.
• Graphic Element presets.
• Over Life presets.
- OBJ Emitter , added subdivision option of distance.
- Fixed an issue where on some situations a cancelled frame with textured particles would crash AE.
0.9.3 - Dec 6, 2016
- Fixed an issue with non standard file and folder name Characters (i.e. non-English file paths)
- Fixed a caching issue when setting shading on/off.
- Fixed an issue when setting textured Particle to 'Stretch'.
- Fixed an issue reading OBJ normals.
- Fixed an issue with Shadow color sometimes not updating.