Adobe After Effects 2021 (v18.0), released in March 2021, focused on modernizing the application's core architecture through two major shifts: a redesigned and the introduction of Multi-Frame Rendering (MFR) . This version aimed to bridge the gap between 2D motion graphics and professional 3D compositing while addressing long-standing performance bottlenecks on multi-core systems. 1. Architectural Overhaul: Multi-Frame Rendering (MFR)
A "gaming-style" engine designed from the ground up to replace the legacy OpenGL Fast Draft mode. It prioritizes interactive performance over visual fidelity, allowing for fluid camera movements in complex 3D scenes. Adobe After Effects 2021 v18.0
Motion Graphics Templates (.mogrt) were upgraded to allow users to swap out images and videos directly within Adobe Premiere Pro . This turned After Effects projects into dynamic, reusable templates for editors. Adobe After Effects 2021 (v18
A dedicated toggle in the Composition panel that provides a horizon line and vanishing point, enabling designers to orient objects accurately in 3D space. This turned After Effects projects into dynamic, reusable
Adobe predicted performance gains of 1.2x to 1.4x on 4-6 core systems, and up to 3x on 16-core systems with at least 48GB of RAM.
Initial MFR support was limited to the Render Queue , with later updates planned for Composition Preview and Dynamic Link. 2. Enhanced 3D Design Space