Autograph
Free 2D and 3D motion graphics and compositing from Maxon in Germany
Quick Overview
| Company | Maxon Computer GmbH (part of the Nemetschek Group) |
|---|---|
| Category | Motion Graphics Software |
| Headquarters | Bad Homburg vor der Höhe, Germany |
| Founded | Not stated |
| EU Presence | Yes - Germany (EU) |
| Data Location | not stated on the pages we read |
| Open Source | No |
| GDPR Compliant | Yes |
| Self-Hosting | No |
| Main Features | Shape engine, motion paths, animated text with 3D extrusion, SVG and PSD import, responsive compositions, compositing and VFX, 3D environment |
| Pricing | Free access to Autograph (Maxon's page wording); Universe plugins and Red Giant OFX tools need a licence |
| Best For | Motion designers who want a layer-based After Effects style tool without a licence fee |
| Replaces | Adobe After Effects |
Detailed Review
Autograph is a motion design, compositing and VFX application that Maxon now publishes. The Maxon site carries an Autograph acquisition article, and the privacy policy names Maxon Computer GmbH, Basler Str. 5, 61352 Bad Homburg vor der Höhe, Germany, as controller.
Maxon describes Autograph as combining tools for motion graphics, VFX and compositing, and 2D and 3D projects, on a GPU-powered engine. The page headline reads Free 2D/3D motion graphics and VFX software.
What does Autograph do for motion design?
Autograph provides a shape engine and motion paths for animation. Maxon states that text properties can be animated and that text can be switched into a 3D extruded mesh in one click.
Autograph imports SVG files from programs such as Illustrator and Figma, and PSD files from Affinity and Photoshop. Maxon also describes responsive compositions, where one composition renders in several formats.
How does Autograph handle compositing and VFX?
Maxon lists compositing and visual effects as one of three pillars of Autograph, next to motion design and a full 3D environment. The page also lists integration with third-party VFX tools.
Red Giant OFX tools and Universe plugins are available inside Autograph, and Maxon notes that a licence is required for them.
Autograph as a European alternative to Adobe After Effects
Autograph is made by a German company and carries no licence fee for the application according to Maxon. Adobe After Effects is a subscription product from a US vendor.
Autograph does not open After Effects projects according to the pages we read, so existing compositions need to be rebuilt.
Limitations to Consider
Maxon's group privacy text lists Maxon Computer Inc. in the USA among group recipients and payments through Verifone Payments B.V. or Avangate, Inc. depending on country, so the German entity is not the only one touching data. Platforms, hosting and plugin prices are not shown on the pages we read, and After Effects has a far larger plugin and tutorial ecosystem. For 3D-led work see Cinema 4D.
Who Should Use Autograph
Freelance motion designers and small studios that want a free, layer-based compositing and motion tool and accept a smaller community than After Effects.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Free access to the application according to Maxon
- German contracting entity with address published
- Shape engine, animated text and SVG and PSD import
- Compositing, VFX and 3D in one application
- Links to Maxon's Red Giant and Universe plugins
Cons
- Smaller community and fewer tutorials than After Effects
- Plugins need a paid licence
- Platforms and hosting not stated on the pages we read
- Group affiliates and payment processors in the USA appear in the privacy policy
Alternatives to Autograph
Other European motion graphics software worth comparing before you decide:
See all European motion graphics software or compare them directly against Adobe After Effects on our alternatives page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Maxon's Autograph page is headlined Free 2D/3D motion graphics and VFX software and lists free access to Autograph. Universe plugins and Red Giant OFX tools need a licence.
Maxon Computer GmbH of Bad Homburg vor der Höhe, Germany, which is part of the Nemetschek Group, publishes Autograph.
Autograph covers shape and text animation, compositing and VFX, but the pages we read do not state project-file compatibility, so plan to rebuild After Effects compositions.