What It Does
Newton 4 turns any 2D layer in After Effects into a physics-based object. Apply gravity, friction, bounce, and collisions to images, video, text, shapes, or pre-comps. The plugin simulates real-world object behavior, then converts it to standard keyframes you can edit.
Unlike typical particle systems, Newton works with your existing layers. A text layer becomes a falling object. A shape becomes a bouncing ball. A pre-comp becomes a swinging pendulum. The physics engine calculates movement based on properties like density and friction, then bakes it as keyframes.
Key Features
Seven object types and seven joint types let you build complex rigs. Distance joints hold layers at a fixed spacing. Pivot joints create rotation points. Piston joints enable sliding motion along an axis. Spring joints add elasticity. The Weld joint (new in version 4) bonds two bodies together with optional flexibility, useful for character rigging.
Waterlike simulates buoyancy and drag. Objects slow down as if moving through liquid, or detect invisible barriers you define. Useful for underwater scenes or creating resistance in animations.
Triggermatic activates animations on collision. When one object hits another, it triggers a motion sequence. Supports looping modes (cycle, pingpong, offset) for continuous action.
Teleportation lets objects pass through portals and emerge elsewhere. Turn any layer into a portal, or make composition edges loop objects to the opposite side. Good for endless falling loops or wraparound effects.
Grenade applies explosive force. Objects within a radius get pushed away at a specified time. You control blast strength and timing, with a visual preview of the impact zone.
Null layer support (new in v4) lets you use invisible control layers in your physics setups. Property highlighting marks which parameters changed, making it easier to track adjustments. Auto-save prevents lost work during long sessions.
Animate panel lets you keyframe physical properties over time. Gravity can increase mid-animation. Friction can change. The graph preview shows motion curves. Five interpolation styles give precise control.
Randomizer introduces controlled variability. Instead of identical behavior across objects, slight differences create more natural simulations.
Export Contacts turns collision events into keyframes, syncing other effects to exact moments of impact.
Comp Walls convert composition edges into solid barriers or teleportation portals with one click.
Newton only creates keyframes, not expression-based motion. Once you run the simulation, you can edit keyframes manually in the timeline. This makes it compatible with other animation workflows.
Who It’s For
Motion designers working on kinetic typography, logo animations, or explainer videos where objects need realistic movement. VFX artists adding physics-driven chaos to live-action footage. Animators building character rigs with joints and springs.
The plugin handles simple tasks (making text fall and bounce) and complex setups (multi-part rigs with dozens of connected layers). The Samples Browser includes demo scenes showing different techniques.
Pricing
Newton 4 uses a pay-what-you-want model. You decide the price, making it accessible at any budget. Standard suggested price is $249.99 for a single-user license, $374.99 for a floating server license. Upgrading from Newton 3 costs $99.99 (no upgrade path from versions 1 or 2).
Students and faculty get 50% off with valid ID verification. Educational licenses cannot be used for commercial work.
The free trial is fully functional but limits exports to 25 frames. Test all features before committing to a purchase.
Two free helper scripts ship with Newton 4: Prepare Softbodies (preps shape layers for soft body simulations) and PuppetMeshToSolids (converts puppet mesh pins to solids for easier joint work).