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AEAfter Effects

Photolapse

by Aris Melachroinos·Motion Graphics

Images © Aris Melachroinos. Used for product review; image policy.

Why we like it

Photolapse is a focused, single-purpose tool in the aescripts library aimed at one job: the Flash Cut effect in After Effects. It reached its initial 1.0 release in November 2023 and is listed here as free.

What is Photolapse?

Photolapse is an After Effects tool for creating the Flash Cut effect from your own images. You select the images you want, create a mask for each one, then set the speed and image order that works best. An instant preview lets you review the sequence before you finalize it.

Once the arrangement feels right, you finalize the Photolapse and can animate it with the included particle-like effects for a unique animation. The workflow runs in stages: choosing images, masking, adjusting timing and order with preview, finalizing, and then animating the finished result.

Photolapse works with After Effects 2025 through CC 2015, covering the 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020 and CC 2019 to 2017 releases. The developer notes CC 2015 and later are supported, while earlier versions might work but have not been tested. Released as version 1.0 in November 2023, it is listed as free here, and a demo video is available.

Who is Photolapse best for?

Photolapse is best for after Effects users who want to build the Flash Cut effect from their own images and animate the result with particle-like effects.

How much does Photolapse cost?

Photolapse is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • Select your images and create a mask for each one
  • Choose the best speed and image order before finalizing, with instant preview
  • Finalize the Photolapse once the arrangement is set
  • Animate the result with the included particle-like effects
  • Compatible with After Effects 2025 through CC 2015 (earlier versions untested)

Tags

#Flash Cut#After Effects#image sequence#masking#motion graphics#particle effects#aescripts

Frequently asked questions

Does Photolapse work with After Effects 2025?

Photolapse is compatible with After Effects 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, and the CC releases from 2015 through 2019. The developer notes that After Effects CC 2015 and later are supported, while earlier versions might work but have not been tested. If you run a current or recent build of After Effects, Photolapse should fit your setup without version concerns, and you can check the developer's page for the full compatibility list before installing it into your project.

Can I preview a Photolapse before finalizing it?

Photolapse lets you select the best speed and image order before finalizing your sequence, with an instant preview along the way. That means you can experiment with timing and arrangement, watch the result update, and commit only once the look feels right. After you finalize, you can animate the Photolapse using the included particle-like effects. The preview step sits between selecting your images and finalizing, so you review the effect before locking it in rather than after.

Is Photolapse free to download?

Photolapse is listed as free in this catalog. Licensing terms can change over time, so for the current details it's best to check the developer's page on aescripts before you download. The plugin reached its initial release on November 14, 2023 as version 1.0, making it a first public version. If you're evaluating it, the free listing lets you try the Flash Cut workflow in After Effects, and the developer's page will confirm any current terms.

Is there a demo video for Photolapse?

Photolapse has a demo video available on YouTube for those who want a look before installing. Alongside the video, the workflow itself is straightforward: you select your images, create a mask for each one, choose the speed and image order with instant preview, and finalize the result. You can then animate it with the included particle-like effects. Checking the demo video and the developer's page together should give you a clear picture of how the plugin fits an After Effects project.

Alternatives to Photolapse

Also in Motion Graphics for After Effects.

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