In the bustling world of motion graphics and VFX compositing, Left Angle has introduced Autograph Starter, a free version of their flagship software, Autograph. Autograph Starter provides unrestricted access to all features without watermarks—until you hit the two-project limit, that is. After that, watermarks become your new collaborators.
No Strings Attached—Almost
Autograph Starter is available for commercial use, allowing users to sell their creations to clients. There’s no trial period or expiration date, so you can take your time crafting masterpieces. However, you’re limited to a maximum of two projects. To start a new one, you’ll need to overwrite an existing project. Projects created by others can be opened but not saved, ensuring you don’t get too attached to borrowed brilliance.
Feature Highlights
- Text Animation: Animate various text properties and transform text into 3D extruded meshes with a single click.
- Design Import: Import and animate SVG files from Illustrator and Figma, as well as PSD files from Affinity and Photoshop.
- Shape Animation: Create complex shape animations and convert them into 3D extruded objects effortlessly.
- Versatile Animation Toolkit: Utilize traditional keyframes, retiming curves, procedural animations, or motion paths without the need for expressions.
- Multi-Editing: Animate multiple elements simultaneously with the powerful multi-editing tool, reducing repetitive tasks.
Limitations to Keep in Mind
While Autograph Starter is generous, it has a few constraints:
- Compositions: Limited to Full HD resolution, a maximum of 30 frames per second, and a duration of 30 seconds.
- Advanced Effects: Certain modifiers, such as Vector Blur, Film Grain, UV Map Generator, Shadertoy, and Defocus, are watermarked.
- OpenFX Plug-ins: Not supported in Autograph Starter.
Seamless Integration with DaVinci Resolve
For those working with DaVinci Resolve, Autograph Starter offers integration through the Autograph Live Link (currently in beta for Windows and macOS). This feature allows users to drag and drop motion graphics animations directly into Resolve’s timeline, streamlining the editing process.
Upgrade Path
When you’re ready to break free from the two-project shackles, upgrading to Autograph Creator or Studio unlocks unlimited projects and additional features for a more professional experience.
Final Thoughts
Autograph Starter is a robust, free tool for motion graphics and VFX professionals, offering a rich feature set with manageable limitations. It’s a great way to explore Autograph’s capabilities before committing to a paid version. However, always verify any new features in your workflow to ensure they meet your project’s requirements.
