Nick Greenawalt shows an alternative to the standard gradient ramps in After Effects.

After Effects users are limited to the kind of things they can create easily using the standard gradient effects in Ae. You are basically limited to a 4-color gradient or using the gradient ramp. While both those tools let you place a pin where you want the colors in the composition, they are not very “hot,” as Nick Greenawalt (Motion By Nick) notes in his latest tutorial.

“They are EASY to make, SUPER customizable, and can be saved as a preset.”

Create a Better Gradient Preset.

The good news is that you can create your own gradient effect in Ae, using a few simple effects, stacked. While you won’t precisely pin color to a specific part of the screen, you can make much more dynamic and beautiful mixing colors this way. The technique uses the Fractal Noise and Colorama effects, and Greenawalt shows how you can make the whole thing into an easy preset.

About Nick Greenawalt.

Nick Greenawalt is a Philadelphia-based motion designer. By day he works at an experience strategy and design agency called Bluecadet. By night I create tutorials, process videos, and fresh content on youtube & Instagram.