CreationEffects Launches Update to the Network Template for After Effects

Learn how to unlock all the new features in the updated Network tutorial.

Hey motion designers — there’s some exciting news from CreationEffects! Noel Powell just released a big update to the popular Network After Effects template. If you’ve ever wanted the look of complex particle animations without shelling out for expensive plugins, Network gives you that power right inside After Effects — and for a fraction of the cost.

More Control, More Creativity

This update takes customization to a whole new level. You can use shape layers or even your own images as the “points,” and there are a variety of ways to arrange and animate them:

• Paths & Outlines: Spread points evenly along a custom path, or use Auto Trace to make them follow the shape of your footage.

• Swarming Effects: Have points chase a moving layer with adjustable delay for trails, flocks, or slithering motion.

• Repel & Attract: Set up a layer to push points away—or pull them in for dynamic, fluid motion.

• Grid Mode: Lay out points in tidy 2D or full 3D grids.

• Ripple Animations: Delay property changes like color or size to create cool ripple-style effects.

Better Lines, Easier Connections

The connecting lines are just as flexible. You can taper, dash, or wave them — even turn them into audio visualizers that react to music. The update also makes it easier to connect multiple networks, so lines can link different groups of points or layers. In 3D mode, you can even connect lines manually for custom setups.

Sound meets motion: dots and lines pulse to the rhythm, creating a dynamic, music-driven animation

Built for Speed and Flexibility

Since heavy setups can slow down projects, the template includes four versions to balance performance and features:

• Network 2D – The main version with most features.

• Network 2D Faster – A lighter, faster option without ripple effects.

• Network 3D – Adds Z-depth, blur, and 3D parenting options.

• Network 3D Faster – Best for large projects (80+ points).

Noel recommends keeping things under a few hundred points for best results, but within that range, the possibilities are huge.

Compare all four Network compositions at a glance — from fastest performance to full 3D capability.

Available Now

The Network template is available now for just $25 at CreationEffects.com, compatible with After Effects 2020 and newer.