Optical Flares 1.3.3 Update + New Presets!
November 29th, 2012

Optical Flares 1.3.3 has been released along with a free bonus pack of presets. As some of you may know we are in development on Optical Flare 2.0 and we were able to fix some bugs and we wanted to make these fixes available now!

The bug fixes include OpenGL fixes, Quadro Crashses on OSX and speed improvements.

Download Optical Flares Update

Download Free Conspiracy Presets

View Screen Shots of new Presets

LIMITED TIME CYBER SALE:
Remember we are currently having a sale for 25% off all Video Copilot Products, don't miss it!
See Coupon information

Andrew Kramer
POSTED:
13 years ago
84 Comments
Vanesa
8 years ago
Help!! It ask me the license, how do I get it?
Gaber
10 years ago
Hi,
The option interface/ presets interface is not working, blocking everything and I force quit AE CC 2014.

I disabled GPU however it's supported but, also still not working.
I've the latest version of OF 1.3.3

Build: Optical Flares x64 1.3.3 (146)
OS: Mac OSX 10.10.3 -Yosemite-
CPU: Intel Core i7
RAM: 16384MB
GPU Vendor: Intel Inc.
GPU: Intel Iris Pro OpenGL Engine
GPU Driver:
GPU Status: Disabled
GPU Code: -1

Please help..
Gabi
11 years ago
Hi,

After i apply the licence on after effects CS6 with latest update, the option interface/ presets interface is not working, blocking everything. what do i do wrong? I have MAC OSX Yosemite with dual intel xeon 2.5 gHz with 8 Gb ram

Please help!
Ben
11 years ago
What is the newest news? The flares are awesome.
12 years ago
I'm sorry if i'm not up to date with the news, but will 2.0 be just a big patch, or a separate release that we have to pay for?
marsono
12 years ago
thanks ..update optical flares.
BHol
12 years ago
Any word of Optical Flares V2?

Working on a project at the moment and looking at all the flare options. Optical Flares seems to be about the best of the bunch. I read above that V2 would probably be released in the first quarter of 2013.
I'd hate to buy V1 now and find V2 is released in the next couple of weeks.
12 years ago
If Adobe releases After Effects CS7, will these products still work or will there be a required update. If so, will it need to be purchased or will it be free. Also, if it needs to be purchased, will there be a discounted price for the update if we already have these products? Thanks!
Asaine
12 years ago
Mr Andrew Kramer have you seen Lionsgate's introduction isn't it cool? can you make a tutorial on creating on like that? what i am i saying, your Andrew Kramer u can make it even better.
12 years ago
What difference with old?
nick b
12 years ago
optical flares 2. sounds nice. please please please look into the banding issues. OF bands more than anything i know. even more than a rubber band
13 years ago
Thanks guys. I now can leave "Use GPU" checked and it doesnt crash when I switch to the VCP GUI on my Z820/ Win 7 system. The dramatic speed up of display in AE is appreciated!
Mpro
13 years ago
Hi everyone. I have a ATI Radeon 1670 working in my Mac pro - Lion. I really want to buy OF but need to know if it works ok with this card? Any info would really be appreciated. Thanks for the tutorials Andrew!
Nupsi
13 years ago
Thanks a lot for the cool new presets, Andrew!
Robert
13 years ago
I'd love optical flares 2.0 to have a (onscreen and offscreen) tracking option. One that runs in the background so you can continue working. No more nulls. Just set the flare and an option 'use tracking'. Saves time. Also it might be handy to let it use after effects 3d tracking so the flares knows where it should go offscreen. Plus it should be a two way tracking system. One that'll go in normal time and reversed time. Just my toughts...keep up the good work!

Best,

Robert
13 years ago
You know what would be incredibly awesome for v2.0? A loop feature! Is that planned? This purchase will be a no-brainer, OF is one of the greatest tools in the industry.
Alex B
13 years ago
any hints on what differences between OF 1 and OF 2 will be? i just got OF 1 with both pro presets and really loving them so far. its a pretty easy to learn plug in.
Franck D
13 years ago
Hi !
New file is only 1,3 Mo on my Mac while the old one was 33,5 Mo. Is that correct or did something wrong happened while downloading the plug)in ?
Need to know before replacing it.
Thanks !
Jorbin
13 years ago
Hi Andrew, your tutorials too good, am a great fan of u.I want to know how to create a 3D film, using 3D glass. Can u make it.
Tashfin
13 years ago
How do I put the conspiracy presets in A/E? After Effects (CS6) does not recognize the .ofp files, what do I do?
SND
13 years ago
IMP PLEASE ??!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!????!!!!!!!!!!!
Andrew can you make a tutorial for effect of changing the face LIKE - (TOTAL RECALL)
[ Last part Total Recall trailor when the guy said you have most relaible memory. After that the effect of changing of a moving face with effects - THAT WHAT IAM TALKING ABOUT ]
13 years ago
Awesome! Big ups to Andrew & videocopilot team...
Camilo Vargas
13 years ago
Hey Andrew, what happened with optical Flares for Nuke?
Dallas Thiele
13 years ago
1.3.3 did fix a lot of issues I was having. That being said I do have a new one that seems to have cropped up. Since the update, one of my projects lens texture images (specks) is turned off. Easy enough to turn on but all the settings related to it also were also gone, with defaults in it's place. I have version 1.2.132 on my desktop machine which does correctly show them.
Jimmy
13 years ago
Hey Andrew,

Just a thought on a feature I was really hoping to see. In some other plugins such as Sapphire Glow, there is a check-box for 'expand borders' that exists if your solid isn't as large as your comp....I'm working on a package for a major TV network right now that uses OF constantly (lots of blinking lights over Element text) and every time I get a change from the CD (make the logo a little smaller, shift this way) I have to reposition every single flare.

It would be nice if there was either a world transform or an 'expand borders' options (or both!) so that if we needed to shift and/or scale OF, it wouldn't be so tedious of a process. I hope that makes sense. Right now, if you scale down the solid OF is on, you see the harsh edges...

Thanks for all that you guys do!
nick b
13 years ago
you need to reconsider your project set up. start attach positions to null positions without parenting. pick whip position expressions. you dont need to move the actual OF layer. you can also change the size of the solid in solid settings
Jimmy
13 years ago
but this causes a problem when using 3D OF...theoretically you could do some expressions to line up the z position of the flare with the xyz of a 3D null, but still, being able to have an expand borders option ( when you need to make the OF solid smaller) would be helpful
Jimmy
12 years ago
Yes thx guys, well i no this options, me i'm interesting to use optical flares with a 3D object of Element 3D, the flare is in a back ground and the 3D object first plan. The light is hidden behind the object.
hum... you see my idee? sorry i'm bad in English...
Timo
13 years ago
I'm using it in After Effects CS6 on my Macbook Air 8gb, but it crashes all the time..
DRocket
13 years ago
Andrew!! I want a lens flare app for my phone!! I mean I just watched Total Recall and dude has more lens flare than JJ Abrams and Michael Bay put together!! Hehehe I mean ok that guy could be in a pitch black closet and still get a lens flare!!
nick b
13 years ago
this has fixed all the problems i had. i had constant crashes and when the UI froze i couldn't quit OF and therefore i had to force quit all of after effects losing any unsaved work. thanks loads for this. great update
13 years ago
How's the development of Optical Flares for Nuke going? I know it's highly anticipated among Nuke compositors!
Louis
13 years ago
Please, release it for NUKE
SND
13 years ago
V2 will be i guess . For NUKE... umm it cant be free i guess. HE GIVES ALREADY MUCH MORE STUFFS IN FREE as compare to other sites. Othersite almost dont give any thing in free.. So Let Andrew income . HAHA
13 years ago
Hi Andrew
Little question for the future V2, the next update have maybe the option to work with Element 3D?
SND
13 years ago
What means of it Pal Optical flare is already 3D.
You cannot use this OF with element 3D in a comp or something ?
What do you more expect. I think v2 is going to availble for Nuke and it will have some other bug fixes + New presets.
WanG
13 years ago
Thank you Andrew!!!!
I come from China,and,I worship you.
I love AE,and,I make my mind to surpass you!!!!
13 years ago
Conspiracy!!!
Thanks for all the great presets Andrew. Propaganda is my new fav..
Robert
13 years ago
I thought I heard some mention on OF being available for Nuke at some point. Is this true? If so, you could make a lot people very happy.
SND
13 years ago
May be they gonna update this feature in 2.O version what going to avilable next year as Andrew said. Its paid. That will not be free update :]
Jason Sarabia
13 years ago
Just downloaded and tried to install the update. I purchased the Optical Flares pro bundle a while back. Love the program and it used to work great. After installing the update I now get an error saying "After Effects could not load the plug in "Optical Flares" bad file type or unsupported extension. Anyone know what's up? and do I have to re-install my optical flares to get it to work?? HELP!!!
SND
13 years ago
Try to re-install. If you think this new update causing the problem then dont update it but download the preset and place it in preset folder. :]
13 years ago
Check my simulated scope video with the projectfile of Videocopilot

http://youtu.be/x-XQVmH4g8k

PathDigital
morteza aref
13 years ago
hi andrew
i am morteza aref from iran
i need you for best picture style 5d mk2 for music video

best color correction for music video

for the sake of god please help me
thank you for the update, no more crash, with my 580GTX
Farshad
13 years ago
YES , it's very usable ,thanks Andrew
BJ
13 years ago
First off- I'm a creative consultant at AMC working on a Sandy benefit concert and couldn't have gotten this project done without Video Co-Pilot. So thank you thank you thank you.

When is 2.0 coming out? I need to get optical flares now, but was hoping to wait so I didn't have to pay the upgrade cost.
Jeff
13 years ago
I figured it out. I need to load this property from the Lens Object tab. My bad.
Jeff
13 years ago
In this new update I cannot find Caustic. It should be above Glint, but it's not there. Is it hidden? How do I add it so I can see it in my stack?
Jovica
13 years ago
What are the new features of 1.3.3?
13 years ago
Great! Thank you very much! The presets are looking good. I'm curious to see how Optical Flares 2.0 will be better than the first one... In my opinion, the current version is flawless!
You might just have a lot of comments that say, oh my god your so inspiring!!! -or- u da man a.k. Now I' ll just extend that amount of comments: but can you include a bit more comedy in your vids, and please make more iron man ish tutorials, thanks Andrew Kramer. And importantly can you make some element 3d that are like bottles and cans and stuff you know...
justin
13 years ago
ask i Andrew from some tips on that 25% 3d piece he did but he did replay its okay so i went in cinema 4d and i came out with something looking like it https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=500594046627776&set=a.198606780159839.44000.100000315553335&type=1&theater tell me what you think guys ????
13 years ago
Hi Justin
Just wonderful work mate. You must make the tutorial, sorry no excuse. Eagerly waiting
justin
13 years ago
I'll try to get a tutorial out soon as possible
Zeron
13 years ago
Hello there,
It's not that hard to do something like that, you don't need a 3D program especially since Element 3D is more than capable of doing it.
Here is what I came up with, took around 5 min -
http://i50.tinypic.com/2iudvux.jpg
It uses Element 3D, 2 Groups (25 %), with optical flares.

Yes it looks much different than Mr. Kramer's or Justin's but this is just me doing things my way.
Enjoy.
justin
13 years ago
it was-en about just putting a 3d text there and putting a texture an sum optical flares....it was about getting close to Andrew own especially the bubble look and reflection but i think Andrew did his own in 3dmax
Warren
13 years ago
Justin/ Zeron, cool cool cool!
Lawrence
13 years ago
I too have been waiting for a Nuke version. It is highly wanted.
Hernan
13 years ago
Im wondering the same as Alex ... are we gonna see in OF 2 the Nuke version that we are waiting for? Thank You
Marty
13 years ago
Thank you for the update, Andrew!!

Just a question, because I'm not very technically minded - to install the update, do I just drop the .aex file into C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe After Effects CS5\Support Files\Plug-ins\Optical Flares ? Do I delete what is there already?

Sorry for the ignorance...
SND
13 years ago
Yes ! Just copy and replace the OpticalFlares.aex
file
Besure before copy and repalce just copy and paste the old .aex file on desktop. 'cause some of guys saying here the new version slowed their inface down. So if it make a problem for you too then you can keep older version.
Marty
13 years ago
Thank you SND!
You might just have a lot of comments that say, oh my god your so inspiring!!! -or- u da man a.k. Now I' ll just extend that amount of comments: but can you include a bit more comedy in your vids, and please make more iron man ish tutorials, thanks Andrew Kramer. And importantly can you make some element 3d that are like bottles and cans and stuff you know...
Alex
13 years ago
Any news about the Nuke version of this plugin?
Steve Green
13 years ago
That's very welcome, thanks.

I'm intrigued as to what 2.0 will do, I can't think of any shortcomings in the plugin as it stands, it does the job superbly.

Maybe it's going to go beyond just flares into bloom/glow/highlight territory.

Or possibly some integration with Element?
James
13 years ago
I was wondering the same thing...I'd like to see some organic operator controls to mimick random lens pinging. Keyframing this type of movement always looks fake to me...and wiggle is no better...
procee
13 years ago
very good stuff, andrew your the real deal.
13 years ago
Thanks guys, working much better in CS6 now.
lunga shezi
13 years ago
Thank you Andrew for such amazing tools...bought Element 3D that was a best investment. Loving it and Support@videocopilot.net you guys are on the ball, thanks.
Tobias
13 years ago
VC stand for:
- great Products
- very good Support
- fantastic Tutorials
- cool free stuff

but the main reason why Video Copilot is so fantastic is that you can feel their Passion in every product, update or free Stuff. they like do what they do!

Thanks VC and go on, you rock!!!
13 years ago
Thanks Andrew for the update and looking forward the V.2
SND
13 years ago
One Word - Amazing !!!!!!!!!!!!
Kai
13 years ago
Great! Thanks Andrew!
13 years ago
thats really mean alot andrew thank you very much for creating vfx stars all around the globe
Define5ociety
13 years ago
when will you release the metropolitan 3d pack?
ammjo
13 years ago
thanx andrew,
i'm from malaysia and you my only teacher for after effect
James
13 years ago
those are some good looking free flare presets...
13 years ago
I'm so confused now....should I wait for 2.0 or get v1 now and get the upgrade...
13 years ago
This is a free update for existing customers that own the plug-in. The new version 2 will be a paid update that will be less than the price of buying it new. Or you can wait and buy V2 when it comes out. Not sure when that is but sometime in the first quarter next year I would guess.

So if you need some flares now, it's a great tool!
MrVidelog
13 years ago
Of course it is the best tool!
Alex
13 years ago
Optical flares is the best tool for Flares, not only to make a sun but in motion graphics and visual fx it's very helpfull aswell. Like when you need to make some kind of "warp" engine, some blue glow in it, a blue flare in it and it looks awesome.

Optical Flares really is a recommendation.
Shawn
13 years ago
Thanks Andrew for keeping Thanksgiving happening all week long. I literally just finished my last piece of Pumpkin Pie and logged on to find these goodies. Thanks. I am off to place my CYBER SPECIAL Order now for the E3D TOTAL AWESOMENESS BUNDLE (Finally! Thank you, God! [See - thanksgiving keeps on happening])
13 years ago
Oohhh !!!!
it's working now
thanks a lot for all
13 years ago
Please Andrew, Tell me how to install the new presets.
13 years ago
You just put them in your "Presets" folder, within your After Effects Folder... Something like "/Programs/After Effects CSX/Presets/Optical Flares/Lens Flares/" The other preset folders should be there, so just copy paste the Conspiracy folder there...
Luis Martin
13 years ago
sorry my ignorance, but the Conspiracy Presets is compatible with optical flares 1.2? Thanks Guys, You're the best.
IMRAN KHAN
13 years ago
Thanks, Andrew Kramer That Was Awesome.
David
13 years ago
It will be interesting to see what version 2.0 brings. Optical Flares is already perfect - I can't think what you'll do next (which is why I an't a software developer I guess )
Shawn
13 years ago
OF 2.0 will have the same functionality as OF 1+. It will include a DESIGN SCENE button, DESIGN SHORT FILM button, and an optional plugin will offer a DESIGN FEATURE FILM button. You hit the button of your choice then enter between 3-300 words about your scene or film and OF2.0+ will completely generate all content to length, create camera moves, transitions, and edits, and include music and optional sound tracks (if you own pro scores). It's gonna rock! (Okay I exaggerate, but Andrew and VCP will come up with something equally mind-blowing - you watch!)
David
13 years ago
Yeah, that sounds quite good Shawn, but am I going to have to push that DESIGN FEATURE FILM button myself, or will someone come around and click the button for me?

Maybe I should hold off until version 3.0 - the auto-button push version instead.
Caliph
13 years ago
Funniest thing I read here haha!
12 years ago
Wonder if the new version is going to use any of the technology demonstrated in this awesome siggraph demo - with real analog simulation of flares?
http://vimeo.com/28676140
Lucas de Souza
13 years ago
Mwahahahahaaha!
Thanks, Andrew!!
Optical Flares is amazing plugin!
eric
13 years ago
thnaks you andrew ! and when the 2.0 udpate come out ??
Elfedelazik
13 years ago
Thank you very much dear VC !!!

Really looking forward 2.0 and also...
beautiful 3D city pack etc, etc

By the way, might i dare to ask you when - No ! not 2.0 - but 3D city pack (and maybe other 3D packs) will be available ?
Best
Michal Janowski
13 years ago
Unfortunately this release has made everything worse, not better. The plugin's performance has massively decreased. Indeed it does not crash on Quadro 4000, but every interface interaction invokes the spinning beachball, there's absolutely no interaction with the preview window, everything is superslow. I have to switch back to the previous version for now

My setup: MacPro / OS X 10.8.2 / CS6 (11.0.2.11) / Quadro 4000 for Mac
Jonathan
13 years ago
same
Macbook pro, last version of after effetcs (adobe could)

The previous "optical flare" work faster.
13 years ago
I can confirm that ! Very slow behaviour...
I also went back to the previous version.
(Mac Pro ? 10.8.2 ? CS6 ? GTX 580
James
13 years ago
This is why I never upgrade plugs when everything is working fine...I always regret it
Miguel Lluesma
13 years ago
yes I can also confirm it that it freezes and does not behave smooth. It lags when selecting presets and lags when interacting in the preview window. Please fix it.
13 years ago
Andrew gracias por la actualización excelente el cambio en la interfaz, y gracias por los presets
13 years ago
Andrew,
Thanks so much man.... Open GL problems have been plaguing me for a long time. We really appreciate it! Can't wait to see 2.0. Have you guys considered making a easier way to get my .obj 's into optical flares for 2.0?
13 years ago
I remember the first launch of this wonderful plugin...i watched so many many Times the Great Videocopilot tutorials..
13 years ago
I installed the update and added the presets. Don't see the new presets AND my Pro Presets disappeared?! They are still physically in the right place on my system hard drive, but do not show up in the OF interface anymore.
Elitecontroler
13 years ago
I also got that problem, all the preset just gone, but they are still where they are.....
chad
13 years ago
figured out I wasn't placing the presets deep enough. They need to be placed inside the "Lens Flares" folder next to the "Natural Flares" and the "Motion Graphics" folders.
OMW! Andrew I LOVE YOU MAN!! Bro-Fist!
justin
13 years ago
hey Andrew can you give ma some tips on that 25% 3d piece???..i love the 3d work I'm trying to make it in cinema 4d
David Dietrich
13 years ago
My guess is that he made it with element. Using the extrusion tools.
jason
13 years ago
Andrew,

As an additional question to OF 2.0 costs, will OF 1.0 owners get a discounted upgrade?
13 years ago
Ya for sure!
13 years ago
Wow man, you are a busy guy. Have you ever considered making your own short film? we would love to see a proper thing to watch from the amazing A to da K himself
chris
13 years ago
Have you seen the movie battleship? Just watched that on the plane yesterday and I believe AK edited this entire movie. There's an optical flare in practically every single shot!!
Alex
13 years ago
The flares looks awesome and i will defitnely use them.
Thanks a lot for this awesome work Andrew!
Alex
13 years ago
The new UI looks good aswell
brum
13 years ago
I'm sorry if i'm not up to date with the news, but will 2.0 be just a big patch, or a separate release that we have to pay for?
13 years ago
Optical Flare 2.0 will be paid update for Optical Flares customers. We try to make patches and small updates free but V2 will be a substantial upgrade.
Jake
13 years ago
It's pretty awesome that you're making time to patch old software when you have a new version right around the corner.
Maxi Claudio
13 years ago
I hear the Flares on Optical Flares 2.0 will be mind boggling!