Add Motion Blur in After Effects (For Beginners)

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In this tutorial, you will learn to add a motion blur in After Effects. I will show you 2 techniques. First, we’ll enable motion blur for layers and compositions. Then, we’ll use the CC Force Motion Blur effect for more advanced control. You’ll know how to apply and adjust motion blur for professional results by the end.

Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Motion Blur in After Effects

Step 1: Create a New Composition

  1. Open Adobe After Effects.
  2. Create a New Composition. Name it “Motion Blur”. Use the default settings and set the duration to 5 seconds.

Step 2: Draw a Shape

  1. Select the Ellipse Tool from the toolbar.
  2. Draw the Shape:
    • Hold down the Shift and Alt keys.
    • Draw a circle.
  3. Center the Anchor Point and align the shape to the center.
  4. Move the Shape:
    • Select the move tool and drag the shape to the left side.

Step 3: Animate the Shape

  1. Select the Shape Layer and press P to open position properties.
  2. Add a Keyframe at the start position.
  3. Move Forward 20 Frames and adjust the circle position to the desired endpoint.
  4. Easy Ease Keyframes:
    • Select both keyframes and press F9.
  5. Adjust in Graph Editor:
    • Open the graph editor.
    • Adjust the curves for smooth motion.
  6. Preview the Animation.

Step 4: Add Expression for Continuous Motion

  1. Add Expression:
    • Hold down the Alt key and click the position stopwatch icon.
    • Type the desired expression.
  2. Trim Composition:
    • Move to 4 seconds on the timeline.
    • Press the N key to set the work area.
    • Right-click the work area and choose Trim Comp to Work Area.

Step 5: Apply Motion Blur (First Method)

  1. Select the Shape Layer.
  2. Apply CC Force Motion Blur:
    • Go to Effects & Presets.
    • Search and apply the CC Force Motion Blur effect.
    • Change the Motion Blur Sample value to 50.
    • Set the Shutter Angle to 360.
  3. Preview the Effect.

Step 6: Apply Motion Blur (Second Method)

  1. Import Clip Art:
    • Import the ghost clip art and place it above the shape layer.
  2. Copy Keyframes:
    • Copy the keyframes from the shape layer.
    • Move the time cursor to the first frame.
    • Press Ctrl + V to paste the keyframes.
    • Adjust the position if needed.
  3. Enable Motion Blur:
    • Click the box to enable motion blur on the layer.
  4. Preview the Final Output.

Project File Details:

UpdatedSeptember 16, 2024
CompatibilityAfter Effects CC
Required PluginNo
Size66 KB
PriceFree