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5 Free Tools to Speed up Your Workflow
Hey there!
Last week, someone asked me which plugins I use in my productions, and I thought it would be cool to share some of my favorites.
Some of them may have a payment version, but I have managed with the free one for a long time (even today).
Here is my list:
1. Click-Up
Project management becomes crucial when multiple projects overlap in different stages. I used multiple software programs, such as Asana, Trello, and Notion… but I found the perfect balance in Click-Up these days.
There is no perfect software for everything, so understanding your needs and how these can be applied to the software will give you some clues about your best choice.
2. Frame.io
This software is integrated into the Adobe Suite and allows you to collaborate with a team or send video files to your client so they can review, comment, and paint on the screen of your video.
It's a total game changer for video review in your projects. The free version allows you to update up to 2GB of video.
3. Microsoft PowerToys
For all Windows users, this free plugin allows you to do plenty of things, the most useful for me is changing multiple file names simultaneously.
How many times have you rendered with the wrong name or needed to change multiple names in a row? This tool will save you plenty of time.
It incorporates multiple exciting options that can save you hours with a simple click. Go and check it out!
4. PureRef
PureRef allows you to collect images and text in one place, and I use it as my history file for productions.
Old versions, client notes, reference images, color palettes… everything I use in my project is collected in one file, allowing me to revisit them in the future and keep a track record of what happened in the project.
The “always on top” view is crucial for having a visual reference while working on full screen. Definitely in my top 10!
5. FX Console from video Copilot
This free plugin allows you to screenshot and save JPEG and PNG images with a single click in After Effects. Collect and compare previous versions of your work in one place and create shortcuts to any plugin or effect. Best time saver ever!
These are all great tools, but remember:
It is not the plugin but the artist that makes the magic happen.
The Second Edition of the Medical Animation Fundamentals Course is over, and I’m so happy with the students’ progress! Many of you asked me about the courses.
I will work on new updates for the next month and open it again after the summer.
I’m excited to continue helping you in your medical animation career. If there is anything you want me to talk about in future newsletters, I’m here to listen to you!
Thank you for being on the other side,
Guillermo
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