Adobe Systems announced Adobe After Effects 6.0, a substantial update to its graphics-animation and visual-effects software. New features include expanded text animation, OpenGL support for faster interactive compositing, an integrated vector-based paint engine, enhanced keying and distortion tools, and scripting support. Adobe After Effects 6.0 will be offered in Standard and Professional editions for Mac OS X 10.2.6, Microsoft Windows 2000 and Windows XP. The German-language software is expected in August 2003 at approximately €930 or CHF 1,270 for the Standard edition and €1,510 or CHF 2,070 for the Professional edition.
New tools for faster work: the enhanced text engine expands text-animation options. Users can enter, edit and format text directly in the Composition window and edit text imported from Photoshop files with considerable precision. One or more characters, words or entire lines can be animated independently on a text layer.
After Effects 6.0 supports OpenGL, a platform-independent standard that substantially increases the speed and precision of interactive rendering for 2D and 3D composites. Photoshop-style vector paint tools allow users to paint directly on a layer, edit footage non-destructively and create mattes. Clone tools can copy an area within a layer or onto another layer, for example to remove unwanted elements. Adobe also expanded integration with Photoshop 7.0, Illustrator 10 and Premiere Pro to accelerate data exchange between the applications.
Two versions target animation designers, visual-effects artists and other creative professionals. The Standard edition contains the principal tools for 2D and 3D compositing, animation and visual effects. After Effects 6.0 Professional adds more than 30 effects, further keying and distortion tools, 16-bit colour depth per channel, Motion Stabilizer and a completely revised Motion Tracker. Render automation in the Professional edition also lets users automate routine tasks with scripts.
Pricing and availability: the German versions of Adobe After Effects 6.0 Standard and Professional for Mac OS X 10.2.6, Microsoft Windows 2000 and Windows XP are expected in August 2003 at €930 or CHF 1,270 for Standard and €1,510 or CHF 2,070 for Professional. Adobe After Effects 6.0 will also be part of the Adobe Digital Video Collection, due at the end of September 2003.
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