What It Does
Colorama Browser solves one of After Effects’ long-standing usability problems: Colorama’s gradient editor. While Colorama is powerful for color manipulation, its interface keeps most users stuck with a handful of built-in presets. This extension replaces that workflow with a visual browser of 350+ curated gradients that you can preview and apply in seconds.
The panel works like a preset library. Browse gradients organized by category (natural harmonies, psychedelic effects, metallics, subtle grading), then double-click to apply. The extension adds Colorama to your layer with the selected gradient already loaded into the Output Cycle parameter.
Key Features
Visual thumbnails for 350+ gradients. Every preset appears as a thumbnail, organized into collapsible categories. No guessing what “Sunset Blend” looks like before applying it.
Two application modes. “Apply to new” adds a fresh Colorama effect to your layer. “Apply to existing” modifies the last Colorama in your effects stack, useful when stacking multiple instances or preserving other settings you’ve already dialed in.
Keyframe-aware gradient swapping. If your Output Cycle is already keyframed, applying a new gradient creates a new keyframe instead of replacing your animation. The extension preserves keyframe timing and interpolation.
Loopable color cycles. Some presets are designed as seamless loops rather than ramps. Combine these with Colorama’s Phase Shift parameter (under Input Phase) to create continuous color cycling effects. Works well with Turbulent Noise for animated textures.
Pairs with Fractal Noise Browser. The same developer makes Fractal Noise Browser, which applies the same thumbnail workflow to 200+ noise presets. Use both for fast experimentation with procedural textures and color treatments.
Who It’s For
Useful for motion designers who grade footage or create abstract motion graphics. The subtle grading presets work for color correction on live action. The bold stylistic gradients and metallics are better for title sequences, transitions, or music videos. If you’ve avoided Colorama because the gradient editor felt tedious, this makes it accessible.
The free trial includes built-in presets plus the first seven presets in each category. Enough to test the workflow before buying.
Pricing
$35 for a single-user license. A bundle with Fractal Noise Browser costs $56 (20% discount from buying separately). One-time purchase, no subscription. Compatible with After Effects 2024, 2025, and 2026.