Node Based and Layer Based Compositing in After Effects

Report · Jan 18, 2023

I'm a big fan of the layer based compositing and layer based editing After Effects currently has. That being said I'm well aware of the demand for node based workflows from other professionals in my field who use software like Davinci Resolve/Fusion/Nuke. From what I gather I have heard the excuse that AE is too old and integating such feature's would be too difficult.

I'm no expert on software development but my suggestion would be to devide After Effects in two. Upon opening After Effects you are greeted with a choice of what kind of project you would like to make. A "Layer Based" or "Node Based" project. Selecting Layer Based will take you to the traditional layout. Selecting Node Based will launch you into a new UI that visually more akin to something like Nuke. Over time Adobe can work on ways to integrate the two halves together but by doing this they can cater to professionals or new enthusiasts who want to try out other methods of compositing.

Report · Jan 18, 2023

Unlikely that this ever will happen. This runs deeper than just creating a different user interface and things like the new track matte system, Essential Graphics/ Master Properties make this even more complicated. It's not even that making the project flow chart editable would do much, since it's not a full representation of the actual processing flow anc just the project structure.

Mylenium

Report · Jan 24, 2023

A really long time ago there was talk of splitting After Effects into three sepearate applications: one for motion design, one for 3D finishing, and one for special effects compositing.

Personally, I'd be fine with Adobe launching a new, node-base spplication for compositing, but I would never want to see After Effects split apart.

Report · Jun 19, 2025

I would loooove to see this happen! I don't think it's unlikely at all!

Node based compositions could live harmoniously alongside traditional layer based comps. It would just be a new/separate composition type and leave the layered comp there as-is!