by Superluminal·Motion Graphics
Images © Superluminal. Used for product review; image policy.
Stardust earns its place in the toolfarm library for its modular, node-based approach to 3D particles in After Effects, pulling emitters, forces, 3D models, and space deformers into one system with support running from CC 2015.3 through 2024.
Superluminal Stardust is a modular 3D particle system for After Effects, built around a node-based interface that lets you assemble complex systems in a single 3D space. Its nodes cover Emitters, Particles, Replica, Forces, Auxiliary Emitters, 3D Models, Text & Mask, and Maps.
The Replica node duplicates particles in a range of ways, while space deformers include Sphere, Box, 3D Models, Bend, Twist, Maps, and Black Hole. Splines can be animated as paths and emitters, and containers enclose or emit particles inside a sphere, box, or 3D model. Smart presets can be added or replaced with a single click, and the system produces particle effects for both 3D and 2D looks.
Stardust runs on After Effects from CC 2015.3 through 2024, on macOS and Windows, with native support for Apple Silicon. A GPU with OpenGL 3.3 or later is required to render 3D models, alongside 1 GB of RAM and 100 MB of disk space. Two render nodes are included with a purchase.
Superluminal Stardust is best for after Effects artists building 3D and 2D particle effects and looks that combine particles with 3D models.
Superluminal Stardust is completely free to download and use.
Superluminal Stardust supports After Effects across a wide range of versions, including 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, CC 2019, CC 2018, CC 2017, and CC 2015.3. It runs on both macOS and Windows and includes native support for Apple Silicon. Keep in mind that a GPU with OpenGL 3.3 or later is required to render 3D models, so your setup should meet that requirement to use the full 3D model workflow.
Superluminal Stardust requires a GPU with OpenGL 3.3 or later to render 3D models. Beyond the graphics card, its listed requirements include 1 GB of RAM and 100 MB of hard drive space, and it runs on both macOS and Windows. If you are working with 3D model nodes, the OpenGL requirement matters most, since that part of the pipeline depends on the GPU for rendering the models in your scene.
Superluminal Stardust includes native support for Apple Silicon, so it runs natively on M-series Macs as well as on Windows. It works with After Effects versions from CC 2015.3 through 2024. As with other parts of the plugin, rendering 3D models calls for a GPU with OpenGL 3.3 or later, along with 1 GB of RAM and 100 MB of hard drive space to meet the listed requirements.
Superluminal Stardust can be installed through the aescripts + aeplugins manager app, and a manual install option is also available if you prefer to set it up yourself. Once installed, it works with After Effects from CC 2015.3 through 2024 on macOS and Windows. For step-by-step guidance on either method, the developer's page is the best place to check the current instructions for your system.
Superluminal Stardust is listed as free in this catalog. A purchase includes two render nodes, and Superluminal also offers floating options for business and organization use. It runs on both macOS and Windows with native Apple Silicon support. For current licensing terms, including the business and teams details, the developer's page is the best place to confirm what applies to your situation before you commit.
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