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AEAfter Effects

Stretch

by irrealix·VFX

Images © irrealix. Used for product review; image policy.

Why we like it

Stretch earns its place in the toolfarm library for its mask-driven approach to pixel stretching, layering ramp, noise, strip and loop controls on top of two simple stretch modes.

What is Stretch?

irrealix Stretch is an After Effects plug-in for stretching images along curved paths built from two mask shapes. Pixels can be stretched in two ways, Along or Across Masks, and the effect works from the shapes you draw.

A Stretch Ramp gives precise control over how pixels stretch. Noise and a Ramp distort the stretched pixels, and you can animate that distortion with Noise Offset. A Strips Random Factor adds more detail, an Opacity Ramp controls transparency along and across the stretches, and an animate-with-loop option adds seamless flow animation with a single click. A Mesh Wireframe Preview shows the underlying mesh, and adjusting the count of Base Mesh Points can improve results.

Stretch runs on a wide range of After Effects versions, from 2025 back through the CC releases to CC 2014 and CC, and it was last updated on January 29, 2025. A demo video is available.

Who is Stretch best for?

Stretch is best for stretching images and pixels along curved paths built from two mask shapes in After Effects.

How much does Stretch cost?

Stretch is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • Two stretch modes: Along or Across Masks
  • Stretch Ramp for precise control over pixel stretching
  • Distortion using Noise and Ramp, animated with Noise Offset
  • Strips Random Factor to add more detail
  • Single-click seamless loop animation for stretched pixels
  • Opacity Ramp to control transparency along and across stretches
  • Mesh Wireframe Preview with adjustable Base Mesh Points count

Tags

#After Effects#irrealix#plugin#pixel stretch#masks#distortion#animation

Frequently asked questions

What After Effects versions does Stretch support?

Stretch is compatible with After Effects 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, and the CC releases going back through CC 2019, CC 2018, CC 2017, CC 2015.3, CC 2015, CC 2014, and CC. That range covers both recent subscription builds and older perpetual-era installs, and the same list serves as its stated requirements. If you're unsure which build you have, check the About screen in After Effects and match it against the supported versions listed on the developer's page before installing.

Is Stretch free to use?

Stretch is listed as free in this catalog. For current licensing terms and any conditions attached to the plug-in, irrealix's own page is the place to confirm details, since licensing can change over time. This entry deliberately avoids quoting a specific figure, so treat the developer's page as the authority on cost and usage rights before building it into a project. Downloading directly from the developer also helps ensure you get the version that matches your After Effects install.

Can Stretch create looping animations?

Stretch includes an animate-with-loop option that adds seamless flow animation to stretched pixels with a single click. Beyond the loop, it also lets you animate distortion using the Noise Offset control, so motion can come from both the loop setting and the distortion parameters. These animation controls sit alongside the Stretch Ramp, Opacity Ramp and Strips options that shape the stretch itself, giving you a few ways to introduce movement into a stretched image.

How does Stretch shape and distort the stretched pixels?

Stretch works from two mask shapes and stretches pixels either along or across them. A Stretch Ramp gives precise control over how pixels stretch, while Noise and a Ramp distort the stretched pixels and a Strips Random Factor adds more detail. An Opacity Ramp controls transparency along and across the stretches, and a Mesh Wireframe Preview lets you see the underlying mesh; adjusting the count of Base Mesh Points can improve results.

Alternatives to Stretch

Also in VFX for After Effects.

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