Archive notice: This article was originally published on December 23, 2014. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
According to GenArt, the most important newcomer is the "Builder" feature, which can be used to create custom effects and transitions – all in a node-based working environment. According to motion graphics designer John Dickinson, this function will especially please After Effects users and support their work on motion graphics, as they do not have to use code in order to experiment. All effects developed in the workspace can be saved as cross-host presets and loaded into the timeline as a single plug-in.
The Builder feature can be used in Adobe After Effects, Premiere Pro, and Avid Media Composer.
Further new and revised features include "Grunge", which can be used to add and animate dirt textures in projects:
In addition, GenArts has optimised "Digital Damage", which allows users to give their digital material typical film playback errors such as compression errors and noise.
"Shake" has also received two new modes: Nervous image movements can now be added and colour channels separated through new channel parameters.
"Crosshatch" can be used to create sketch looks with pencil and chalk strokes, and "Light Leak" can be used to create organic light effects in the image.
Sapphire 8 has permanent-licence prices that vary depending on the software package, as well as subscription prices that apply to After Effects and Premiere Pro.
All further information about Sapphire 8 from GenArts is available here. Anyone who would like to know more about the practical ready-made effects can view concrete application examples in DP issue 06/14 and will also find an interview there with Alan Lorence from GenArts.
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