Participating Frequently

Effect "VR Chromatic Aberrations" doesn't work in AE 2026.

Sirgit · 2026-07-21T13:57:48+00:00

Issue - When applying the effect, “VR Chromatic Aberrations”. I get a red screen with glyph’s across the screen. Steps to reproduce - Apply “VR Chromatic Aberrations” to a layer in AE 2026. Expected result - The Effect should properly apply. Actual result - A red screen appears with white glyph’s across the screen Screen recording – If you think it might be helpful, include a recording of your screen, showing the issue. Adobe After Effects version - 26.3.0 Operating system - macOS Tahoe 26.5.2 Comparative information helps us understand more about when the issue occurs: Affects all projects. Optional but useful: Upload project files, screenshots, or screen recordings that demonstrate the issue.

Forum|Forum|4 days ago
July 21, 2026
1 reply
19 views

Issue - When applying the effect, “VR Chromatic Aberrations”. I get a red screen with glyph’s across the screen.
Steps to reproduce - Apply “VR Chromatic Aberrations” to a layer in AE 2026.
Expected result - The Effect should properly apply.
Actual result - A red screen appears with white glyph’s across the screen
Screen recording – If you think it might be helpful, include a recording of your screen, showing the issue.
Adobe After Effects version - 26.3.0
Operating system - macOS Tahoe 26.5.2
Comparative information helps us understand more about when the issue occurs:
- Affects all projects.
Optional but useful: Upload project files, screenshots, or screen recordings that demonstrate the issue.

VRChromaticAberration_Error_AE2026.aep

Nishu Kushwaha

Community Manager

Hi Sirgit, thanks for the report. I tested this on my end (Mac) and the VR Chromatic Aberrations effect is applying correctly, so this may be tied to your specific setup rather than the effect itself. A few things that would help narrow it down:

1. Could you share your system specs (CPU, GPU, RAM)?

2. Does the issue persist if you switch to Mercury Software Only (File > Project Settings > Video Rendering and Effects)?

3. Can you run After Effects in Safe Mode with third-party plug-ins disabled and test in a brand-new empty project with a fresh solid?

Let me know what you find.

Thanks

Nishu

S

SirgitAuthor

Participating Frequently

Hi Nishu!

My project was actually alraedy set to “Mercury Software Only”. I switched it to Memory GPU Acceleration (Metal), and it fixed the effect!

To answer your other CPU/PGU quesiton, I’m running an Apple M4 Max with 64gb of RAM

Thank you!
Michael

Nishu Kushwaha

Community Manager

I see! Thanks for reporting. VR Chromatic Aberrations need a GPU to run. Since you were on Mercury Software Only, the effect didn’t work. This is expected. However, instead of showing boxes, it should say “This Effect requires GPU acceleration”.

I am going to report this issue as a bug so it can be investigated.

Let me know if there are any other questions.

Thanks,

Nishu

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