Before diving into the 2024.1 specifics, a quick primer for newcomers. Unlike Trapcode (which focuses on particle systems) or Magic Bullet (color correction), Universe is a "swiss army knife." It contains over 90 tools for stylization, simulation, and transitions. It runs on GPU acceleration, meaning it renders effects in real-time inside Adobe After Effects, Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve (Studio), and Apple Final Cut Pro.
| Feature | Useful for | Time saved | |--------|-----------|-------------| | Multilayer EXR from Lens Flare | Color grading flares separately in Resolve/Nuke | 30–60 min per shot | | Lens dirt pass extraction | Adding realistic camera moves without re-rendering | 20 min per comp | | Progresso text morph | Animated title cards & lower thirds | 15 min per title | Red Giant Universe 2024.1
, released by Maxon on January 17, 2024, is a significant update to the collection of video effects and transition plugins for editors and motion designers. This version focuses on high-performance blur effects and a modernized under-the-hood framework to improve workflow efficiency across various Host Applications like Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects. Key New Features Before diving into the 2024
is a specialized collection of GPU-accelerated plugins designed for editors and motion graphics artists who need high-quality effects and transitions without heavy rendering times. This update focuses on enhancing visual quality through improved bokeh tools and tighter integration with the broader Red Giant ecosystem. Top Features & Improvements | Feature | Useful for | Time saved
: A tool designed to create beautiful, realistic bokeh effects and mimic camera focus without a complex lens setup. It allows for fast rendering of depth-of-field blurs.