Left Angle has released Autograph 2025.1v0, the latest iteration of its content creation and compositing software tailored for motion design and visual effects professionals. This update brings a host of new features designed to enhance usability and integration within existing production pipelines.
Revamped User Interface and Workflow Enhancements
Autograph 2025 introduces a redesigned user interface, featuring a new Inspector panel that replaces the previous Properties panel. This change aims to streamline the process of inspecting and editing parameters. Additionally, each viewer now possesses its own individual timeline, enabling simultaneous playback of separate compositions—a handy feature for comparing different segments, such as intro and outro sequences.
Advanced 3D Features: Text and Shape Extrusion
The latest version expands Autograph’s 3D capabilities by allowing extrusion of Text and Shape layers. This functionality enables users to import vector logos and convert them into 3D objects directly within the software. Moreover, new Material and Mesh layer types facilitate the creation of 3D primitives and the editing of animated materials directly on the timeline. Users can also select 3D layers in the viewport through clicking or marquee selection, enhancing the overall 3D manipulation experience.
Enhanced Interoperability: Live Link with DaVinci Resolve
Autograph 2025 includes Autograph Live Link, an experimental plugin that allows Autograph projects and templates to be used within OpenFX-compatible applications like DaVinci Resolve. Edits made in Autograph are transferred to DaVinci Resolve in real time, and composition parameters are exposed upon import, permitting direct animation within Resolve. Currently in beta, the plugin is supported on Windows and macOS platforms.
After Effects Project Importer
To facilitate smoother transitions for users migrating from Adobe After Effects, Autograph 2025 introduces an Importer capable of converting .aep projects automatically. This feature supports the import of layer animations, layer styles, text animations, shapes, and several effects. It’s important to note that conversion requires a local installation of After Effects with an active license.
New Free Edition and Adjusted Pricing
Left Angle has launched Autograph Starter, a free edition of the software that can be used on up to two projects concurrently, including for commercial work. However, compositions are limited to 1080p resolution, and certain Modifiers, such as Vector Blur and Film Grain, are watermarked. Additionally, projects created using other versions of the software are watermarked upon import and cannot be saved. The Starter edition also lacks support for OpenFX plugins.
In conjunction with the new edition, Left Angle has reduced the prices of commercial licenses. For detailed pricing information, please refer to the Left Angle website.
Considerations for Production Use
While Autograph 2025 offers a range of new features aimed at enhancing motion design and VFX workflows, it’s advisable for production artists to evaluate the software’s stability and compatibility within their specific pipelines before full-scale adoption. Testing the new functionalities on smaller projects can help determine their suitability for broader use.
For comprehensive details on Autograph 2025’s features and updates, visit the official release notes.
