Introduction


Image generated by applying S_EdgeRays and S_LensFlare to text.

There are over 175 plug-ins in the Sapphire package for After Effects and compatible products, and each one of them has many parameters!  Though the effects are actually quite easy to use, some users may be overwhelmed by the sheer breadth of the package.  This tutorial is designed to provide a starting point to those who just might not know where to begin.

Geared towards users with some experience on Adobe After Effects, Final Cut Pro, or other compatible host applications, this tutorial is intended to instruct those who are new to Sapphire how to utilize the plug-ins and become familiar with some of the more common and vital parameters.

This tutorial contains a sampling of some of the main effects that comprise Sapphire Plug-ins.  Once you become familiar with these and their associated parameters, we hope you'll be more confident and knowledgeable in dealing with the rest of the effects in the package.

For each effect, we will suggest a common use for it, explain what most parameters do, and provide screenshots to illustrate how the parameter affects the image.  For some plug-ins, we will also offer step-by-step techniques on how to build specific looks.  For example, S_Glint is useful for emphasizing approaching headlights, pearly white teeth, and text animation, and we provide examples for each of these.


† Frame from Lord of the Rings using S_Zap and S_ZapTo.

For a more technical explanation on every effect and parameter, see the online help by clicking the "About" link while using any plug-in.

While this tutorial focuses on procedures for Adobe After Effects, many of these also apply to Final Cut Pro and other compatible host applications.  Differences in techniques between Adobe After Effects and Final Cut Pro are noted wherever necessary.

If you are reading this guide while in front of your computer, feel free to use any of your own images as you explore each effect.  Sapphire effects can be applied to text and graphics as well as video images, so feel free to experiment.

We hope this tutorial inspires users to dig in, try new effects, and combine effects to achieve a unique look.  We trust this gives you an introduction to the many effects you can create with Sapphire Plug-ins, and we encourage you to experiment further to discover the many additional looks you can produce.  Be bold, use your imagination, and have fun!
† Frame from Lord of the Rings using S_Glow.

You can download an After Effects project accompanying this tutorial from:

http://www.genarts.com/sapphire-ae-tutorial.html

 

 
† "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" and "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers"
    © Copyright MMI, New Line Productions, Inc.™  The Saul Zaentz Company d/b/a Tolkien Enterprises under
    license to New Line Productions, Inc.  All rights reserved.
    Photo appears courtesy of New Line Productions, Inc.