50+ Free Presets for After Effects: Top Animation, Text & Transition Packs

Last updated on: October 17, 2026

Are you spending hours manually animating text or tweaking color grades in After Effects? Whether you’re crafting YouTube intros, social media ads, or short films, free presets for After Effects can transform your workflow.

This collection includes presets, scripts and plugins for animation, colour, transitions and other effects, with paid options in a separate section. Browse resources for After Effects transitions presets and vintage looks. Check each creator’s current download requirements, licence and supported After Effects version before using a resource; listing a tool here does not mean it has been tested in your setup.

Free Presets for After Effects

Animation Presets: Bring Text & Characters to Life

Best for : Title sequences, explainer videos, social media content.

Top Picks :

Character Sweep: Add smooth motion to logos/icons (ideal for intros).
Squash & Stretch: Mimic cartoon physics for playful animations.

Pro Tip :

Preview animation on your own composition before combining effects. Check timing, motion blur and readability rather than assuming the default settings will suit every shot.

Why It Works :

These free animation presets for After Effects can provide starting points for motion work. The available controls depend on the individual resource; you may still need to adjust keyframes, timing and easing.

Free After Effects Type Animation Presets

Squash and Stretch Preset for After Effects

CounterPro Preset for After Effect

Shape Cloner

Typing Typewriter Animation in After Effects

Numbers+

Type Array

After Effects Text Animation Presets

Typeflow

Text Presets for Adobe After Effects

Limber Lite

Duik Bassel

Essential Text Animations for After Effects

Color Grading Presets : Cinematic Looks in 1 Click

Best for : Music videos, brand films, Instagram Reels

Top Picks :

FITPSTAWASH: Warm, sun-kissed tones for travel vlogs.
GREEN YELLOW RAMP: Moody sci-fi aesthetics (perfect for tech reviews).

Workflow note :

When using colour grading resources alongside After Effects projects, compare the look across several shots. Exposure, white balance and skin tones may need separate adjustments.

Why It Works :

Colour resources may use effects, curves or LUTs, depending on the download. Ugly Box is a stylised skin effect, rather than a general correction tool for oversaturated footage.

Free Color Grading Presets for After Effects

Color Grading Presets for Premiere Pro and After Effects

Transition Presets : Seamless Scene Shifts

Best for : Podcasts, wedding films, corporate presentations.

Top Picks :

Epic Transitions Pack: 15 dynamic wipes and zooms.
Tapered Stroke: Minimalist line transitions for modern explainers.

Pro Tip :

“Pair ‘Epic Transitions’ with ‘Camera Shake’ presets for high-energy gaming montages.”

Why It Works :

Check each transition’s required effects and controls before applying it. Preview the cut with your footage and adjust its duration and intensity; low-light footage may require separate correction.