What It Does
Flow replaces After Effects’ standard graph editor with a normalized curve interface designed for editing keyframe easing. Instead of adjusting speed and influence handles or deciphering bezier graphs, you create curves visually and apply them directly to selected keyframes or expressions. The tool maintains compatibility with CSS cubic-bezier functions, making it useful for animators working across web and video workflows.
The plugin consists of two components: a Graph Editor for creating and modifying easing curves, and a Library system for organizing saved presets. Flow ships with 25 pre-defined curves based on Robert Penner’s Easing Functions, and you can download additional preset packs created by other users.
Key Features
The Graph Editor provides a cleaner alternative to After Effects’ native interface, with normalized curves that correspond directly to CSS animation-timing-functions. This means values you create in Flow translate to web-based animation code.
The Library system supports multiple preset collections with responsive overshoot and undershoot controls. You can build custom animation libraries, share them with team members, and export presets for use in kbar. The “Read Values” function identifies which preset matches your current keyframe easing, helping you maintain consistency across projects.
Flow handles both spatial and temporal easing, working with position, scale, rotation, and opacity keyframes. Presets apply to expression-controlled properties as well as standard keyframes.
Who It’s For
Motion designers who frequently adjust easing curves will find Flow faster than navigating After Effects’ graph editor, particularly when working with multiple keyframes or creating signature motion styles. The CSS compatibility matters for animators who prototype in After Effects before handing off to web developers.
The preset library becomes valuable for studios maintaining consistent animation styles across projects or team members who need to match easing curves without manual tweaking. Character animators and logo designers who rely on specific timing patterns benefit from being able to save and reuse custom curves.
Pricing
Flow uses a pay-what-you-want pricing model, allowing you to name your own price when purchasing. The developer suggests $35 as a standard license cost, though you can choose to pay more or less. A free trial version is available with limited functionality so you can test the interface before purchasing. This is a one-time payment, not a subscription.