A review of new Motion Array plugins that work with all major editing platforms including Adobe Premiere Pro. & Adobe After Effect. Best of all, these advanced features are included at no extra cost with my existing Motion Array subscription.
During the final week of June 2023, Motion Array released a new addition to their library of video editing assets; Plugins!
In the past, they already had this plugin for Premiere Pro here, but now they have a FULL collection of 40+ plugins (and still counting) for all major video editing softwares. These plugins give you all sorts of functionality; from color grading tools to music visualizers.
Let's kick things off with Color Grading. The package includes a "Cine Style" option that's perfect for filmmakers aiming for a cinematic look. It's like having a mini-Hollywood color suite right at your fingertips. The "Classic Cine Style" takes it a notch higher by adding a vintage touch, reminiscent of classic films.
For those who want to experiment, "Hue Colorize" and "Hue Shift" are your best friends. These tools allow you to manipulate the color spectrum in a way that can dramatically alter the mood of your scenes.
Keying is another essential aspect, especially if you're working with green screens. The "Color Difference Key" and "Luminance Key" options are field-tested and can handle most of your keying needs with precision. "Invert Alpha" and "Remove Stock Background" are specialized tools that help you manipulate the background and foreground elements separately. (Invert Alpha essentially reverses the transparency levels in your footage, a technique often used in complex compositing.)
If you're looking to add some unique flair to your projects, the Stylize options have got you covered. "Cartoon" and "Emboss" are particularly fun to play with. They can transform your footage into a completely different visual experience. "Find Edges" and "Threshold" are more specialized, often used in music videos or avant-garde projects.
"Fire" and "Rain on Glass" are not just generic effects; they are highly customizable and can be tweaked to fit the exact look you're going for. "Shatter" is another favorite of mine; it's perfect for action sequences or dramatic moments.
The Sharpen tools are indispensable for bringing out the details in your footage. "Unsharpen" and "Highpass Sharpen" are particularly useful for those who are into the nitty-gritty of image quality.
The Generate section is a great for anyone looking to add dynamic elements to their projects. "Audio Spectrum" and "Audio Waveform" are perfect for music videos or podcasts. "Auto Volumetrics" and "Clouds" offer atmospheric effects that can add depth and dimension to your scenes.
The Misc section includes tools like "Zoom" and "Channel Mixer," which are staples in any editor's toolkit. "Derez (Distort)" and "Witness Protection (Distort)" are more specialized, offering unique ways to manipulate your footage for specific storytelling needs.
Last but not least, the Grunge options like "Film Damage" and "Film Grain" are perfect for adding a textured, gritty feel to your projects. These aren't just simple overlays; they're comprehensive tools that offer a wide range of customization.
Do I need to pay for plugins? No, with any subscription to Motion Array, these plugins come with the package at no extra charge! The motion array free plugins can be download from the plugins page at any time. But...you can get two months free with our discount link here.
For those who don't have a Motion Array subscription, there is actually a way to get a Motion Array subscription for free, it's called the 'getting a job' method. The 100% effectiveness rate proves it is worth it! Simply get a job, and use the money to purchase a Motion Array subscription.
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Luckily we've partnered with Motion Array to give our readers 2 whole months for FREE! That's $50 off through the link above.
First up, head over to motionarray.com/plugins. This is your go-to hub for an extensive range of plugins that are compatible with Adobe Premiere Pro (and other editing software, but let's focus on Premiere Pro for now).
Once you're there, you'll see options to download the toolkit for either Windows or Mac. Trust me, it matters which operating system you're using. Downloading the correct toolkit ensures seamless integration with your video editing software.
Upon download completion, you'll see the Motion Array plugins installer spring to life on your device. Don't worry, it's not a complex wizard with endless prompts. I've noticed it's a straightforward process designed to get you up and running as quickly as possible.
Now, follow the steps provided in the Motion array plugin installer. If I had to guess, you're probably familiar with software installation routines, but even if you're not, this one's a breeze. At each step, you'll receive explicit instructions, and you might need to grant permission for the installer to make changes to your computer—standard procedure to ensure the plugins embed themselves properly into your video editor.
Success! Once that's done, Adobe Premiere Pro (or whichever program you're using) will automatically recognize the new plugins. You're all set to start adding those spectacular effects and transitions that'll take your projects to the next level.
*if you had your video editor open during the installation, you'll need to restart it in order for the plugins to show up.
The moment you open your program after this installation, you'll find the new plugins in your "Effects" panel (that's the workspace where you typically find all your editing tools and transitions). Just drag and drop the plugin effect onto your timeline, and you're good to go.
Here's a detailed method to troubleshoot the issue, tailored to suit users of multiple editing programs.
First things first, make sure your editing software is compatible with the Motion Array plugins you've chosen. Each plugin comes with its own set of requirements, and your editing software version could be the stumbling block. Specifically, go to the Motion Array website to cross-verify the compatibility details.
In my experience, it's surprisingly easy to skip an installation step inadvertently. Go back to the Motion Array plugins installer and confirm that you've followed all the prompts accurately. Make sure to grant all permissions requested by the installer, which is especially crucial if you're on a Mac with stringent security settings.
Whether you're on Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or another program, plugins have to reside in a specific folder to be recognized. Navigate to this folder (usually under 'Program Files' on Windows or the 'Applications' folder on a Mac) to ensure that the Motion Array plugins have been installed there.
A common issue across multiple editing platforms is that sometimes they need a gentle reminder to recognize newly added plugins. Generally, this involves clearing the software's cache. In Premiere Pro, you'd go to 'Preferences' and then 'Media Cache' to delete unused cache files. In DaVinci Resolve, navigate to 'Playback' and then 'Delete Render Cache.' Restart your editing software afterward.
For Adobe Premiere Pro, you'd typically go to the 'Effects' panel and right-click to choose 'Refresh List.' In DaVinci Resolve, you may need to go to the 'Fusion' tab and then refresh your effects library. This forces the software to rescan for available plugins.
If the plugins are still playing hard to get, it might be time for a clean slate. Uninstall them and then reinstall. This is often a catch-all solution for a range of compatibility or installation glitches.
If you've exhausted these steps and are still at a roadblock, I'd recommend contacting Motion Array’s customer support. Based on what I've seen, their support team is extremely knowledgeable and quick to respond. They can help troubleshoot issues that may be unique to your software and system setup.
Unfortunately, there is no way to use Motion Array's plugins as a standalone software. So the first thing I'd recommend you do is get a free trial or paid subscription of any of the compatible video editing programs below.
As of September 2023, Motion Array plugins run on the following video editing programs.
Chances are, just like any other plugins, Motion Array's will never be available for any online video editing platform, Movavi included.
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They sky is the limit to your creativity. But for starters, efficiency is one of the biggest wins you get with Motion Array's plugins. We all know that time is a non-renewable resource, and in the editing world, time literally equates to money. I've conducted a little experiment where I edited a 5-minute sequence. Doing color grading manually took me roughly three hours, but with a specialized color correction plugin, that time was slashed to just 30 minutes. That's 80% less time spent on just one aspect of editing, freeing you to focus on storytelling, pacing, or whatever else needs your expert touch.
Let's talk about the dynamism plugins introduce. Traditional cuts and transitions have their place, but when you want to make an impact—say, you're crafting a high-adrenaline action sequence—specialized transition plugins can add that extra flair. I recall editing a high-speed car chase, and by using a motion blur plugin, I added an extra layer of intensity and speed, making the sequence visually exhilarating. This is something native Premiere Pro transitions just can't replicate to that degree.
Visual allure is another area where plugins shine. I worked on an edit that featured a glass shattering effect. Though Premiere Pro provides some decent options, I used a 'grunge effects' plugin from Motion Array to elevate that glass shatter, making it look like it was straight out of a high-budget Hollywood film. The detail was so exquisite that you could almost hear the glass splinters falling!
Let's not ignore the fact that these plugins offer unparalleled customization. You can adjust parameters down to the minutest detail (like controlling the 'shakiness' frequency in a handheld camera effect). It's all up to you and your creative vision.
For visual leaners, this video here pretty much sums up everything I just said above:
Since it's a commonly asked question, I thought I'd write a separate section for this. If you're a music video editor, here are some of my favorite effects to use:
Let's start with Glitch Effects—these are perfect for creating that modern, edgy vibe that’s quite popular in genres like electronic and hip-hop. From my point of view, the glitch effect can be both disruptive and harmonizing, making it a versatile tool in your arsenal.
Ah, the classic Light Leaks. These are essential for achieving that nostalgic, retro feel, particularly if you're working on a love ballad or a reminiscent rock anthem. Light leaks can simulate the look of old film reels, which adds a vintage charm that I find irresistible.
If you’re looking to add a mystical or ethereal feel to your music video, Particle Generators are your best friends. I've always thought of them as digital pixie dust that can set the mood, especially for genres like ambient or new age music.
When editing to the beat, nothing helps keep the energy high like Dynamic Transitions. Specifically, these transitions move swiftly and fluidly, helping to maintain viewer interest and matching the tempo of fast-paced tracks. Trust me, these are a game-changer in keeping your audience hooked.
Color grading sets the emotional tone of your video, and Motion Array has a plethora of options here. If I had to guess, you're likely as excited about achieving that perfect cinematic look as I am. Whether you're aiming for a sun-kissed glow or a moody blue, the color grading plugins have got you covered.
Lens flares can add an extra layer of depth and luxury to your music video. They're great for accentuating key moments in the music, like the crescendo of a song or a poignant lyric. From my perspective, lens flares can turn a good music video into a great one by adding that extra dash of visual flair.
Finally, no music video is complete without some text elements, whether it's the song title, artist name, or lyrics for sing-along. Motion Array offers a wide range of text and title effects that are not just functional but aesthetically pleasing. They can really elevate the production value of your video.