Choosing the Best Version of Adobe After Effects for AMVs: Adobe After Effects 2019 vs 2021

Manipulating audio video animations (AMVs) and wanting to dive into Japanese-featured animations? When starting out, the choice between the 2019 and 2021 versions of Adobe After Effects can be confusing. Let's explore the differences and considerations for beginners like you to help you make an informed decision.

Stability and Reliability

Those who have used Adobe After Effects 2021 report that it is quite stable, making it a solid choice for beginners. The 2019 version, on the other hand, is often praised for its stability. This can be a significant advantage during the learning phase as you can focus more on the techniques rather than the software crashing or glitching, which can be frustrating.

New Features and Effects

While there isn't a massive difference in terms of stability between the two versions, it's worth noting that the 2021 version offers more features and effects. It features improvements in performance, new tools, and additional effects specifically designed for AMVs and anime-style animations. If you're looking to enhance your creative process and have access to the latest software, the 2021 version might be more appealing. However, these additional features may not be a necessity during your initial learning stage.

Basic Skills and Future Considerations

One important factor to consider is that if you're just starting out, any version from CS6 and up can be used to get the basics down. Once you have a solid foundation, the newer versions of After Effects will start to make sense as you're introduced to more advanced features and tools. This is because having a firm grasp of the software's core functions is crucial for understanding and utilizing its latest improvements effectively.

Your Experience

Post-creator shares personal insight into their experience using Adobe After Effects 2021. They found it to be stable enough and lacked a significant difference compared to 2019. However, they appreciated the new features and effects but believed that the choice of version wouldn't drastically impact their ability to create AMVs.

Summary and Recommendation

In conclusion, while Adobe After Effects 2019 is praised for its stability, the 2021 version offers additional features and effects that might be beneficial as you advance. However, if you're a beginner and need a stable environment to focus on learning, the 2019 version is a great choice. Once you have a solid foundation, upgrading to the 2021 version could provide you with the tools needed to create more complex and visually impressive AMVs.

Remember to ensure you have the latest Creative Cloud subscription to access the most up-to-date version of Adobe After Effects. Whether you choose 2019 or 2021, make sure to practice consistently and explore all the features available to you. Happy animating!