What It Does

proGradient is an After Effects plugin by irrealix (Ilya Sinitsyn) that generates animated gradients well beyond what AE’s built-in tools offer. It covers classic Linear, Radial, and Angular modes in a free Base version, then adds a set of Pro modes for more complex gradient behaviors: Magnet, Contour, Mask Path, Stripes, and gradient sampling from any layer.

Previously released as freeGradient, this version is a full rework with new modes, advanced color interpolation, and animation controls baked in.

Key Features

Base modes (always free). Linear, Radial, and Angular gradients with offset animation (shift), scale control to repeat the gradient across the spectrum, Loop, Mirror, and Invert modes, opacity ramp, and two-point or parametric placement.

Magnet mode. Simulates magnetic field lines across a layer. Choose Along or Cross direction for different visual results.

Contour mode. Fills closed shapes, alpha channels, closed masks, or text layers with a gradient that flows perpendicular to the boundary. Useful for glowing outlines and organic fills on type.

Mask Path mode. Follows a custom bezier path in either Along or Cross direction. Good for gradients that track curves or irregular shapes.

Stripes mode. Slices the gradient into discrete stripes, each of which can be randomly offset. Useful for chase light effects, retro color bands, and organic texture generation.

Gradient from Layer. Pick any layer, including photos, video clips, or pre-comps. The plugin samples a single horizontal line from that layer and uses it as the gradient source. You can adjust the sample position, or enable Random Stripes to pull from different heights per stripe, producing organic textures from any source image.

OKLAB and HCL color interpolation. Beyond standard RGB mixing, Pro users can switch to OKLAB for perceptually uniform transitions without brightness dips, or HCL (Hue-Chroma-Luma) for vibrant, hue-shifting rainbow transitions. Direction control lets you set Short or Long path, Clockwise or Counter-clockwise.

Randomize Gradient Colors. Scrambles all color stops randomly while keeping the gradient structure intact. Handy for quickly exploring palette variations.

Who It’s For

Motion designers who use gradients as a core part of their visual language will get the most out of this. The Contour and Mask Path modes are particularly useful for title animations and shape-based work. The Layer Sampling feature opens up texture generation from reference images, which fits well in styleframe work or music video visuals. The free Base version is a solid upgrade over AE’s native gradient controls for anyone who animates gradient offsets or needs loop-ready color transitions.

Pricing

  • Base version is free and includes Linear, Radial, and Angular gradient modes with all animation controls.
  • Pro license is a one-time purchase at $34.99 and unlocks Magnet, Contour, Mask Path, Stripes, Gradient from Layer, OKLAB/HCL interpolation, and Randomize Colors. Pro functions render with a watermark until a valid license is applied.
  • Existing freeGradient customers qualify for upgrade discounts: 100% credit for purchases made after Feb 8, 2026, and 50% credit for older purchases, applied automatically at checkout when logged in.

A free trial of the Base version is available for download directly from the product page.