Saber Plug Compatibility With Stroke Engines Explored

The Saber plugin for Adobe After Effects allows users to create exciting sci-fi visual effects. Saber is a free third-party plugin that can be used to create and control effects like fire or energy. To use Saber, users must first apply it to a solid layer and then play with its settings, such as adjusting the glow intensity, glow colour, and glow size. While the plugin can be used to stroke masks or text layers simultaneously, it is not possible to stroke each text letter sequentially. To achieve this, users must split their shapes onto separate layers.

Using the Saber plugin to create a virtual light source

The Saber plugin is a free third-party plugin for Adobe After Effects that creates an "artificial light source" to generate and control effects like fire or energy. It can be used to create high-quality energy beams, lightsabers, lasers, portals, neon lights, electric haze, and more. Saber offers advanced core settings, realistic glow falloff, dynamic text and mask outlines, and stackable FX with Add mode.

To use Saber, you need to apply it to a solid layer and then adjust its settings. This includes choosing a preset that suits your desired effect, such as the "Burning" preset, which makes text appear as if it is burning. You can also adjust the glow intensity, glow color, glow size, and customize its core.

• Write the text you want to apply the effect to.
• Create a solid layer and place it under the text layer.
• Select the solid layer and apply the Saber effect by going to "Effect" > "Video Copilot" > "Saber."
• Go to the "Customize Core settings" under the Saber effect and select either a layer mask or a text layer as the source.
• Choose a preset that matches the effect you want to create.
• Adjust the settings in the effect panel, such as the glow color, intensity, and core size, to refine the look.
• Animate the text layer by applying keyframes to the "Start" and "End" properties under the "Customized Core settings."
• Create another solid layer and place it under the Saber layer to make the effect transparent so that you can place other layers behind the animated text.
• Go to the "Render settings" in the Saber Effects panel and change the composite setting from black to transparent.

By following these steps, you can create impressive virtual light sources and sci-fi visual effects using the Saber plugin in Adobe After Effects.

How to apply Saber to text in After Effects

Saber is a free plugin for Adobe After Effects that creates an "artificial light source" to generate and manipulate effects such as fire or energy. It can be used to create visually appealing text effects. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply Saber to text in After Effects:

Step 1: Create a Text Layer

Start by creating a new text layer in your composition by selecting the Text Tool and typing your desired text. This will serve as the foundation for your Saber effect.

Step 2: Apply the Saber Plugin

With your text layer selected, navigate to the "Effect" menu and choose "Video Copilot" > "Saber." This will apply the Saber plugin to your text layer.

Step 3: Customize the Saber Effect

In the plugin's settings, you can customize the appearance of the Saber effect. Experiment with different presets, adjust core properties, and modify glow options to achieve the desired visual outcome.

Step 4: Animate the Text (Optional)

If you want to animate your text, use keyframes to control properties like "Start" and "End" under the "Core Settings" section. This will bring your text to life, allowing you to create dynamic and engaging visuals.

Troubleshooting:

If you encounter issues with the Saber effect not appearing correctly or causing text disappearance, try the following:

• Ensure that the Saber effect is applied to a solid layer below your text layer, as suggested by some users.
• Check the blend mode in Saber's render settings, as this might impact the visibility of the effect.
• Position the Saber effect at the very beginning of your timeline and then pre-compose it before moving it. This can help prevent issues with the animation.
• If you make changes to the source animation, purge the disk memory to resolve any freak-outs or anomalies.

With these steps, you can create captivating text animations and enhance your video projects with the Saber plugin in After Effects.

How to add a Saber to a shape layer

To add a Saber effect to a shape layer in After Effects, you need to follow these steps:

Firstly, create a shape layer by selecting one of the shape tools (Rectangle, Ellipse, or Polygon) from the toolbar. With the shape layer selected, apply the Saber plugin by navigating to "Effect" > "Video Copilot" > "Saber" in the toolbar.

Now, you can customise the appearance of the saber by adjusting the plugin's settings. This includes selecting a preset, adjusting core properties, and changing glow options. If you want to animate the saber along with the shape layer, you can use keyframes to control the "Start" and "End" properties under the "Core Settings" section.

If you want to create a mask with Saber, select the "Mask" dropdown and choose "Mask Path". You can then draw or animate the mask path by clicking the stopwatch icon next to the "End" property.

Additionally, you can customise the mask's appearance further by adjusting parameters like "Core Size" and "End Offset" under the "Core Settings" section. Experiment with blending modes and additional effects to achieve the desired visual effect.

It's important to note that Saber only strokes masks or text layers simultaneously. If you want to stroke each letter or shape sequentially, you need to split them onto separate layers.

How to use the Saber mask in After Effects

The Saber plugin in After Effects is a third-party plugin that can be used to create a variety of sci-fi visual effects, such as lightsabers, energy effects, and burning text. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use the Saber mask in After Effects:

Step 1: Install the Saber Plugin

The Saber plugin is not a native plugin in After Effects and needs to be installed separately. It is a free plugin developed by Video Copilot and can be downloaded from their website.

Step 2: Create a Solid Layer

Once the plugin is installed, create a new solid layer in your composition. This will serve as the base for your Saber effect.

Step 3: Apply the Saber Plugin

With the solid layer selected, go to "Effect" > "Video Copilot" > "Saber" to apply the Saber plugin to the layer. This will bring up the Saber plugin settings, where you can customize the appearance of the mask.

Step 4: Select the Mask Path

In the Saber plugin settings, select the "Mask" dropdown and choose "Mask Path." This will allow you to create a mask with Saber. You can draw or animate the mask path by clicking the stopwatch icon next to the "End" property.

Step 5: Customize the Mask Appearance

Customize the appearance of the mask by adjusting various parameters in the Saber plugin settings. This includes selecting a preset, adjusting core properties such as "Core Size," and changing the saber's glow and color settings. You can also animate the mask by using keyframes to control the "Start" and "End" properties.

Step 6: Experiment with Blending Modes and Additional Effects

To further refine your Saber mask, experiment with different blending modes and additional effects available in After Effects. This will help you achieve the desired visual effect for your project.

It's important to note that the Saber plugin strokes masks or text layers simultaneously. If you want to stroke each letter or shape sequentially, you need to split them onto separate layers and animate them individually. Additionally, Saber works with solids or adjustment layers, and its layer needs to be above the text or shapes you want to stroke.

How to create a mask with Saber

Saber is a free plugin for Adobe After Effects that creates an "artificial light source" to generate effects like fire or energy. To create a mask with Saber, follow these steps:

Step 1: Create a Solid Layer

Firstly, create a new solid layer in your composition. This will serve as the base for your mask.

Step 2: Apply the Saber Plugin

With the solid layer selected, go to the "Effects" tab and apply the Saber plugin. You can find it under "Effect" > "Video Copilot" > "Saber."

Step 3: Customize the Saber Settings

Once you've applied Saber, you'll see various options to customize its appearance. This includes selecting a preset, adjusting core properties, and changing the glow and color settings. Play around with these settings to achieve the desired look for your mask.

Step 4: Create the Mask

To create a mask with Saber, select the "Mask" dropdown and choose "Mask Path." Now, you can draw or animate the mask path by clicking the stopwatch icon next to the "End" property. This allows you to animate the mask over time.

Step 5: Fine-tune the Mask Appearance

You can further customize the mask's appearance by adjusting parameters like "Core Size" and "End Offset" under the "Core Settings" section. Experiment with different values to get the desired look.

Step 6: Explore Blending Modes and Additional Effects

To add more depth to your mask, experiment with different blending modes and additional effects available in After Effects. This can help you achieve a wide range of visual effects.

By following these steps, you can create masks with Saber to enhance your compositions and achieve various sci-fi or fantasy visual effects.

Frequently asked questions