What It Does
Stardust builds complex 3D particle systems inside After Effects using a node-based interface. Instead of layering multiple effects across separate comps, you work in a single 3D space where particles, models, forces, and deformers interact on one layer. The system handles everything from basic particle animations to physics simulations, volume rendering, and OBJ model imports.
Key Features
Volume Rendering. Convert particle systems into volumetric smoke effects or import VDB files from external 3D packages. The volumes integrate with After Effects’ camera and compositing workflow without requiring round-trips to other software.
Physical Particles. Particles and 3D models collide and interact under the influence of forces like gravity, turbulence, and attraction fields. The physics engine updates live as you adjust parameters, letting you see simulation results directly in the comp.
Node-Based Workflow. The interface uses a modular node system where emitters, particles, forces, and deformers connect visually. You can group nodes to reduce clutter, search presets by keyword, or replace entire node trees with a single click. Multiple emitters and particle types coexist in the same 3D space without requiring separate layers.
3D Model Support. Import OBJ files to use as particle instances, emit particles from model vertices or volume, or render standalone models with materials and lighting. The plugin includes a library of nearly 200 textured 3D models. Models can be deformed using masks, paths, noise, or displacement maps.
Replica System. Duplicates particles in patterns, grids, along splines, or using other geometric arrangements. This creates motion graphics looks that would be tedious to build manually, like recursive structures or radial arrays.
Advanced Rendering. Supports image-based lighting, ambient occlusion, volumetric lights with atmospheric effects, subsurface scattering for organic materials, planar reflections, and shadow catcher materials. The engine handles depth of field and motion blur natively.
Emitter Variety. Emit from grids, points, 3D models, live After Effects text and masks, splines defined by lights, or layers. Path emitters can be trimmed, offset, and animated. OBJ emitters offer loop, delay, and flip options.
Space Deformers. Use spheres, boxes, 3D models, displacement maps, or blackhole nodes to push, pull, or color particles. Deformers apply bend, twist, turbulence noise, or displacement to both particles and models.
Stardust ships with hundreds of presets covering fireworks, extrusions, grids, and abstract effects. The preset browser supports keyword search and can replace individual nodes or entire setups.
Who It’s For
Motion designers building complex 3D animations without leaving After Effects. VFX artists who need particle simulations that integrate tightly with comp workflows. Anyone currently juggling Trapcode plugins or Element 3D across multiple layers will benefit from the unified workspace. The physics engine suits technical shots requiring collision dynamics, while the volume rendering handles atmospheric effects traditionally done in 3D packages.
Pricing
One-time purchase of $249 USD for a single-user license. Educational licenses are available at a discount but expire after one year (renewable). Commercial licenses specify CPU, core, and system limits, with two render-only nodes allowed per machine on a local network. Minor version updates are included; major version upgrades require separate purchase. Trial versions available for macOS (Intel and Apple Silicon) and Windows.