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AEAfter Effects

Map Ramp

by Vitaly Babich·Color Grading

Images © Vitaly Babich. Used for product review; image policy.

Why we like it

Map Ramp stands out in the toolfarm library for pairing per-knot control over Position, Color, Alpha and Blending with a set of interpolation modes that range from linear to B-spline.

What is Map Ramp?

Map Ramp creates a gradual blend between multiple colors, using a grayscale source as the base to map the gradient. Any of five channels can drive the mapping: red, green, blue, alpha or lightness. Beyond straight color work, the effect can be used for color correction, creativity, and even as a matte tool with its additional options.

Colors blend through several interpolation modes. Linear is the simplest, with a Hardness parameter for sharper, harder transitions. Variable uses a Nonlinearity parameter that eases the blend at its maximum and sharpens it at its minimum. Bezier smooths between up to four points while leaving the start and finish untouched. B-spline sets no limit on the number of points and can also produce a sharp transition when knots sit close together.

Each knot carries its own Position, Color, Alpha and Blending parameters, with Blending setting how much the knot color mixes with the original source. Effect-wide controls include Blend With Original and Blend Alpha Also. You can select knots and Flip their positions. Compatible with After Effects 2025 back through CC 2017.

Who is Map Ramp best for?

Map Ramp is best for color correction, creative color work, and matte creation in After Effects.

How much does Map Ramp cost?

Map Ramp is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • Maps a gradient from any one of five channels: Red, Green, Blue, Alpha or Lightness
  • Several interpolation modes including Linear, Variable, Bezier and B-spline
  • Per-knot parameters for Position, Color, Alpha and Blending
  • Hardness and Nonlinearity parameters adjust the sharpness of transitions
  • Blend With Original mixes the gradient with source colors; Blend Alpha Also reverts a changed alpha to the source
  • Flip mirrors the positions of the knots along the ramp

Tags

#After Effects#gradient mapping#color correction#color blending#matte#interpolation#Vitaly Babich

Frequently asked questions

Does Map Ramp work with After Effects 2025?

Map Ramp lists compatibility with After Effects 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021 and 2020, along with CC 2019, CC 2018 and CC 2017. If you run any of those releases, the plugin is supported. Its stated requirements match that same range of After Effects versions, so nothing beyond a compatible After Effects install is noted. For confirmation on the exact build you use, check the developer's page.

What channels can Map Ramp use to map the gradient?

Map Ramp can map a gradient from any one of five channels: Red, Green, Blue, Alpha or Lightness. It uses a grayscale source as the base for that mapping, then blends between multiple colors along the ramp. Beyond straight color work, the effect can serve for color correction, creative looks and even as a matte tool when you bring in its additional options. Each color knot along the ramp also carries its own Position, Color, Alpha and Blending settings.

Why does Map Ramp ask me to click Update on existing projects?

Map Ramp changed its internal data starting with version 1.1.0.0. To keep working with a project made before that change, the plugin provides an Update button that you click to carry the project over. If you are starting a new project, the step does not come up. For more on the change, the developer's page and the available demo video are the places to look.

Is Map Ramp free?

Map Ramp is listed as free here in the catalog. Licensing terms can change, so for the current arrangement it is best to confirm on the developer's page before you build it into a project. The plugin comes from Vitaly Babich and runs as an After Effects effect across a wide range of releases, from CC 2017 through After Effects 2025.

Alternatives to Map Ramp

Also in Color Grading for After Effects.

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