The August 2025 release of Adobe After Effects (version 25.4) introduces Quick Offset, a direct way to stagger multiple layers or keyframes in the Timeline. Holding Cmd + Option (macOS) or Ctrl + Alt (Windows) while dragging adjusts timing so that the first selection stays fixed, the last moves the full distance, and intermediate layers are evenly spaced. The same works for keyframes across layers, aided by on-screen “Total Offset” and “Per Layer” timing indicators.

Paste Just the Formatting

A new Paste Text Formatting Only command allows users to transfer styling, such as font, size, colour, and weight, without overwriting the text content itself. This makes it possible to unify typography without losing scripted or manually typed content.

HDR with CICP Metadata

After Effects 25.4 now supports CICP (Colour Information, Colour Primaries) metadata for HDR import and export. This ensures colour-space information is preserved when moving HDR content between formats or devices.

Info at Your Fingertips

In the Effects & Presets panel, each effect now has an Info button linking directly to relevant documentation or detailed descriptions, reducing the need to search for technical references elsewhere.

Compatibility and Caution

The update supports Windows 10 or later and macOS 12.0 or later, with macOS Monterey (12.x) excluded for this release. Users on unsupported systems must remain on After Effects 25.3.2 or earlier. As always, new versions should be tested in a controlled environment before deployment in production.

Release Notes

The post After Effects 25.4 Lands in August: HDR Metadata, Text-Format Paste, and Layer Staggering first appeared on DIGITAL PRODUCTION and was written by Bela Beier.

The GNU Image Manipulation Program—better known as GIMP—has officially released version 3.0 as a release candidate—a very late beta—two decades after the last major update. The open-source image editor, often compared to Photoshop, introduces long-awaited features and updates aimed at keeping digital artists, photographers, and post-production professionals in the loop. Simplicity and stability are key here, but let’s see if GIMP 3.0 delivers on those fronts.

GTK3: New Looks, Same Roots

The biggest visible change: GIMP now runs on GTK3, a modern graphical toolkit that brings long-overdue improvements to the user interface. Menus look cleaner, icons sharper, and the overall design better fits modern operating systems. That applies across platforms too: Windows, macOS, and Linux users finally share a consistent experience. Of course, ‘consistent’ doesn’t mean revolutionary—expect the familiar GIMP aesthetic with subtle tweaks, not a complete redesign.

Non-Destructive Editing (Kind of)

Non-destructive editing has entered the chat—but cautiously. GIMP 3.0 now supports non-destructive workflows for adjustments like transforms, thanks to updated layer functions. It’s not fully node-based or adjustment-layer driven like Photoshop, but it’s progress. Artists can now tweak edits without permanently altering base pixels, saving headaches during complex edits.

Multi-threading: Faster and (Possibly) Smoother

Performance takes a leap forward with multi-threading support. Tasks like filters and layer operations can now utilize multiple CPU cores, offering a speed boost for heavier projects. While real-time graphics and VFX workflows may still lean on other tools, GIMP 3.0 becomes more viable for quick edits and asset adjustments without endless progress bars. However, the GPU remains unused, so don’t expect hardware acceleration to lighten the load just yet.

Color Management Gets Practical

For professionals, GIMP 3.0 doubles down on color management. It’s now baked into the workflow, ensuring color profiles (like sRGB or CMYK) are properly handled. That’s critical for anyone working across multiple screens or preparing images for print. HDR support is still missing, so you might want to temper expectations if you’re aiming for full-color workflows.

GIMP in the Modern Age?

So, has GIMP kept up with the times? Sort of. The open-source nature still appeals to artists avoiding subscription fees, but tools like Photoshop, Affinity Photo, and Krita maintain their edge for specific needs. Stability remains a priority—fact-check GIMP 3.0’s multi-threaded performance before relying on it for production-heavy edits.

GIMP 3.0 is free to download from the official GIMP website. Pricing remains unbeatable: zero. But as always, free tools come with trade-offs. For artists who want full non-destructive workflows or deep compositing features, GIMP may still feel like an intermediate step.

The post GIMP 3.0 Finally Lands: Has the Free Editor Aged Like Wine? first appeared on DIGITAL PRODUCTION and was written by Bela Beier.