What It Does
Aura Render Only is a render-specific license for the Aura plugin. It allows command-line rendering on headless render nodes, machines without a graphical interface dedicated to processing render jobs. This license only works with the command-line renderer and requires you to own at least one full Aura license.
Aura itself is a procedural plugin that generates geometric shapes in 3D space, waves, bands, dots, and gradients. It functions like a particle system but produces vector-like animating forms reminiscent of the classic Radiowaves plugin. Aura handles hundreds of thousands of waves efficiently and supports high-frequency wave generation (frequencies 100-200+) with fast rendering performance.
Key Features
Command-line licensing. The Render Only license activates Aura for headless machines using After Effects’ command-line renderer. This setup is common in render farm environments where multiple machines process frames without user interaction.
Per-node licensing. Each render node requires its own Render Only license. If you’re running a farm with five render machines, you’ll need five Render Only licenses in addition to your main Aura license.
Floating License Server compatibility. If you use a Floating License for your main Aura license, the Render Only license activates via the same Floating License Server.
Who It’s For
This license targets studios or freelancers running dedicated render farms. If you use After Effects’ watch folder or third-party render managers with headless nodes, and you rely on Aura for procedural shapes in your projects, this license lets those nodes process Aura effects legally and efficiently.
Pricing
Special pricing: $112.50 (regular $149.99) per render node. This is a one-time purchase. You must already own at least one full Aura license (Single User or Floating) to purchase Render Only licenses. The full Aura license is sold separately and is not included.