r/AfterEffects rules, stats, and what to post

Posts must include what you've tried.: We require you to make an attempt to solve a problem on your own before asking. We're using highly technical, industry-standard professional software. You're not going to know *everything*, but the internet is full of answers, an official user guide and getting started series. So, please try to find your answer somewhere and tell us what you've tried instead of just asking without useful context.

Plugin/Script posts: Only mondays with specific post formatting: Please read through [this post](https://www.reddit.com/r/AfterEffects/comments/1vtoocb/raftereffects_changes_related_to_extension/) for details, and see [this comment](https://www.reddit.com/r/AfterEffects/comments/1vtoocb/comment/p4urqfr/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button) for an example post format. All plugin posts must follow Problem, Compare, Pricing, Maintenance, AI-Disclosure format.

Don't simply downvote; explain yourself: You might not like a video someone posted because it's crap. That's fine; you're allowed to not like it. Heck, I don't like stuff I made a year ago! But don't just downvote silently. Let the person know (nicely) what could be improved. Nobody got better because a random drive-by flipped them off. Useful criticism, on the other hand, can spark growth.

No piracy: Seriously. Just don't pirate things. The AE team is small, but they work very hard. Pay for the dang software. And don't even get us started on you jerks who pirate plugins!

No hardware questions: After Effects is industry standard software, and there are plenty of resources that explain what type of hardware you need to run it well. Everyone’s use cases are different, and no one will be able to tell you exactly what hardware will work best for your particular workflow. Exceptions may be made when industry-shifting hardware announcements are made.

Take criticism well: If you post something, don't be afraid of a helpful critique. We can all improve. Let a new pair of eyes help you to see your project better.

Critique kindly: All of us can improve every day in both our AE work and our relationships with other humans. Be kind as you try to help others improve their AE work.

Flair your post correctly: Please add a relevant flair to your posts.

Stuff you've made (OC) must include significant AE work: If you've made a nice 3d render, great! Share it in /r/Cinema4D, /r/Blender, or another related subreddit. Only share it here if you have done *significant* post-production work in After Effects or added a lot of motion graphics with AE. If 95% of your work was done in C4D, and you just did a bit of color grading in AE, please don't post it here.

Don't get political: We are currently allowing posts that *reference* politicians and political events, but the conversation is meant to be about the video's creation and not it's content. If someone is discussing the animation curves, it's fine. If someone is addressing the politics, it is not fine. (Unless they are calling out hate/racism/homophobia/etc. which is not allowed on Reddit anyway.) We reserve the right to change this rule to "No political content at all" if you can't be nice.

No excuses or sob stories: Don't try to gain karma with personal (sob) stories or try to soften criticism by excuses of age or experience. Hold off on posting until you think your work is worth the time for others to see or if you genuinely need help and critique. "I'm new to AE, so I'm not sure how to improve this shot", is perfectly fine. "I've only been using AE for two hours, so please be gentle," is not fine.

No templates!: We've had too many templates posted. Don't link us to a video of a template, don't link us to a page to buy a template, don't even ask us how we like a template if it's currently for sale.