Independent guide · After Effects alternative

EffectCraft online — the open-source After Effects alternative in your browser

Animate a composition, one keyframe at a time. Free to try, with no account required.

CompositionsKeyframesMotion graphics
EffectCraft showing an animated composition, project panel, layer timeline and properties
Upstream app screenshot. Browser controls and features may differ.

What is EffectCraft

EffectCraft is ArtCraft's open-source motion graphics and compositing app. Its composition and timeline workflow brings together layers, animation and effects for short motion pieces.

Source code is published under MIT or Apache-2.0. The app and its bundled assets have their own notices; this independent site keeps the upstream web build unchanged.

Source: EffectCraft repository · Checked 2026-10-16.

How to use EffectCraft online

  1. Create a short composition

    Start with a small frame size and short duration while you learn the app.

  2. Add layers and keyframes

    Animate a shape or text layer, preview the result, then add complexity gradually.

  3. Test your output early

    Save the project and try the available export options before committing to a longer animation.

Run EffectCraft in a browser tab .

Make room for the work

Compose in layers

Combine text, shapes and media in a composition. Keep a simple layer structure while you establish the visual idea.

Animate deliberately

Use keyframes and timing controls to move from one state to another. Preview short sections while adjusting the motion.

Build an effects workflow

Explore effects on a small composition first. Rendering behavior and supported output options depend on the release and browser environment.

What you can and cannot do yet

Use the features above as a starting point. Keep these limits in view:

  • After Effects project files, expressions and plugins are not a compatibility guarantee.
  • Complex effects and long compositions can exceed browser resources; begin with a small test.
  • Render and export capabilities may differ from native desktop builds.

Read the upstream status and documentation

FAQ

A few things to know before you start.

Is EffectCraft a video editor?

It focuses on motion graphics and compositing. For a sequence of clips edited along a timeline, compare FilmCraft's nonlinear editing workflow.

Will my After Effects plugins work?

Do not assume plugin or project compatibility. Check the upstream documentation and test a small representative composition.

Does this website render video on a server?

No. This site serves the browser build; the editor executes on your device. It does not provide a render farm or file-upload processing service.