What It Does
Pixion is a GPU-accelerated particle system plugin for After Effects built around a two-layer workflow: an emitter layer that defines where and how particles are born, and a modifier layer that shapes their behavior over time. Both layers use pixel data, things like luminance, alpha, and color, to drive parameters rather than relying solely on static numeric values. This means animated layers, including those with 3D transforms, feed directly into the simulation.
The practical result is particle effects that respond to the actual content of your composition layers, making it well-suited for logo reveals, text disintegrations, image-to-particles transitions, and organic ambient motion.
Key Features
Emitter and Modifier Layers. Assign any layer as an emitter to spawn particles based on its pixel data. A separate modifier layer controls particle speed, size, spin, and physics properties over each particle’s lifetime. Both support animation and 3D transforms.
Pixel-Driven Parameters. Use luminance or alpha channels from your layers to determine emission density, particle size, and more. Emit particles in the color of the source layer for effects that stay tied to your footage or graphics.
Turbulence and Physics. Three turbulence types with controls for strength, scale, and speed produce organic, non-repeating motion. Physics settings cover gravity, wind, and air resistance.
Particle Shapes. Choose from 8 built-in shapes or supply your own layer as a custom particle. Three orientation modes control how particles face relative to their direction of travel or the camera.
Lifetime Controls. Size, opacity, and color are all adjustable over each particle’s lifetime through a dedicated custom UI, avoiding the need to build expression rigs.
Camera Integration. Depth of field follows the active camera’s settings automatically. Motion blur is supported with an adjustable shutter angle.
GPU Acceleration. Processing is handled on the GPU, which keeps large particle counts manageable without grinding the timeline to a halt.
Who It’s For
Motion designers who need particle effects tied to actual layer content rather than simple point emitters will find the pixel-driven approach useful. It is particularly handy for title animations, brand reveals where a logo disintegrates or assembles from particles, and any shot where particle behavior needs to match the shape or tone of an existing element. The free trial available on aescripts lets you test it before committing.
Pricing
Pixion is a one-time purchase at $148 USD (discounted from $188.80, valid until May 2, 2026). Compatible with After Effects 2023 through 2026 on Windows and macOS. Single user, floating server, and render-only license options are available.