Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Unlock the creative power of Particle Illusion to create stunning, long-exposure light trails directly inside After Effects. In this comprehensive tutorial, Ben Brownlee shows how to transform standard text and mask paths into cinematic "light writing" animations using free professional presets.
There are two parts to this tutorial. You'll learn the essential workflow for driving particle emitters with text layers, including how to refine mask paths for a natural, hand-written look. Ben also covers advanced troubleshooting techniques to polish your final render. You'll fix common problems like eliminating unwanted trails between letters, tapering stroke thickness, and creating butter-smooth strokes without jaggies.
Finally, learn how to integrate your light trails into a 3D tracked scene, using After Effects' comp camera and expressions to ensure perfect scaling and placement. Whether you are creating motion graphics for titles or adding VFX to a live-action scene, these techniques will help you master particle motion paths.
Learn more about Particle Illusion and get the standalone version for free : borisfx.com/products/particle-illusion
// D I S C O R D C H A N N E L //
borisfxdiscord.com
// K E Y P O I N T S //
⦁ Find the right Light Writer style from a Particle Illusion preset.
⦁ Use text layers and mask outlines (sequential vs. simultaneous) to drive particle emitters.
⦁ Simplify complex mask paths and control where the light starts writing.
⦁ Control the stroke look to create tapered edges and clean transitions.
⦁ Sync Particle Illusion with After Effects 3D cameras and using Mocha Pro tracking data for realistic placement.
/ / C H A P T E R L I S T / /
00:00 Intro
00:23 Setting up the comp
02:23 Animating using text paths
04:23 Setting up a handwritten stroke look
11:45 Fixing unwanted trails
14:25 Created tapered strokes
15:29 Fixing jagged lines
16:34 Integrating Particle Illusion into 3D tracked scenes
Unlock the creative power of Particle Illusion to create stunning, long-exposure light trails directly inside After Effects. In this comprehensive tutorial, Ben Brownlee shows how to transform standard text and mask paths into cinematic "light writing" animations using free professional presets.
There are two parts to this tutorial. You'll learn the essential workflow for driving particle emitters with text layers, including how to refine mask paths for a natural, hand-written look. Ben also covers advanced troubleshooting techniques to polish your final render. You'll fix common problems like eliminating unwanted trails between letters, tapering stroke thickness, and creating butter-smooth strokes without jaggies.
Finally, learn how to integrate your light trails into a 3D tracked scene, using After Effects' comp camera and expressions to ensure perfect scaling and placement. Whether you are creating motion graphics for titles or adding VFX to a live-action scene, these techniques will help you master particle motion paths.
Learn more about Particle Illusion and get the standalone version for free : borisfx.com/products/particle-illusion
// D I S C O R D C H A N N E L //
borisfxdiscord.com
// K E Y P O I N T S //
⦁ Find the right Light Writer style from a Particle Illusion preset.
⦁ Use text layers and mask outlines (sequential vs. simultaneous) to drive particle emitters.
⦁ Simplify complex mask paths and control where the light starts writing.
⦁ Control the stroke look to create tapered edges and clean transitions.
⦁ Sync Particle Illusion with After Effects 3D cameras and using Mocha Pro tracking data for realistic placement.
/ / C H A P T E R L I S T / /
00:00 Intro
00:23 Setting up the comp
02:23 Animating using text paths
04:23 Setting up a handwritten stroke look
11:45 Fixing unwanted trails
14:25 Created tapered strokes
15:29 Fixing jagged lines
16:34 Integrating Particle Illusion into 3D tracked scenes
![Paint Faster, Automate Retouch [Boris FX Silhouette]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/t9WiuLZ2dbU/mqdefault.jpg "Paint Faster, Automate Retouch [Boris FX Silhouette]
Frame Fixer ML uses AI algorithms to remove flashes, artefacts, or whole dropped frames with a single click. Product Specialist Christoph Zapletal shows you how Frame Fixer ML can be applied in several different scenarios, from fix-ups to performance changes. You will also learn how to use Frame Fixer ML together with Paint for tracking free cleanups.
// K E Y P O I N T S //
⦁ Machine-learning powered Image Restoration
⦁ Combine with other nodes for artist-controlled results
⦁ Auto-clean ups or feed paint frames into Frame Fixer ML
Learn more about Silhouette here: https://borisfx.com/products/silhouette/
// D I S C O R D C H A N N E L //
https://www.borisfxdiscord.com/
#retouching #VFX #videoeffects #machinelearning
/ / C H A P T E R L I S T / /
00:00 Intro
00:27 Setting up the first frame fix
01:17 Setting the repair duration
01:55 Fixing additional flashes
02:36 Understanding Frame Fixer MLs interpolation
02:58 Changing the talents performance
03:41 Stabilizing the face
04:27 Defining the Domain of Definition
04:42 Applying Frame Fixer ML with Range
05:28 Combining Frame Fixer ML with Silhouette Paint
06:37 Outro")
![Silhouette 2025 in Under Two Minutes [Boris FX]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/uXLhGKpj5ew/mqdefault.jpg "Silhouette 2025 in Under Two Minutes [Boris FX]
Silhouette 2025 by Boris FX celebrates 20 years of industry-leading paint and roto tools with an array of new AI-powered features designed to streamline your post-production workflow. This latest iteration introduces groundbreaking functionality that promises faster, more efficient creative processes.
Download a free trial of Silhouette at borisfx.com : https://borisfx.com/products/silhouette/
/ D I S C O R D C H A N N E L //
https://www.borisfxdiscord.com/
Discover Matte Refine ML, an AI addition that transforms rough alpha mattes into smooth, refined edges, and experience the unparalleled speed and quality of animated matte creation. Explore the power of 3D Scene, allowing you to load 3D tracks, place virtual cards in 3D space for accelerated painting, and leverage the data for roto or 2D tracking. PowerMesh Morph utilizes Mochas PowerMesh data to drastically reduce the number of retouched frames needed for cleanup, while Frame Fixel ML automatically repairs damaged frames and enables track-free morphs. Generate high-quality depth data from 2D images with Depth Map ML, perfect for procedural mattes or driving other effects.
Additionally, Compound Nodes simplify complex node trees, enhancing collaborative workflows. Silhouette 2025 also boasts ACES 2.0 support and updated versions of Sapphire, Mocha Pro, and Particle Illusion. Upgrade today to revolutionize your workflow!
// K E Y P O I N T S //
⦁ Matte Refine ML: AI-powered refinement of rough alpha mattes for superior edge quality and animated matte creation.
⦁ 3D Scene: Load 3D tracks (Alembic/FBX), place virtual cards in 3D space for accelerated painting, and convert data for roto or 2D tracking.
⦁ PowerMesh Morph: Utilizes Mochas PowerMesh data to significantly reduce cleanup frames and smoothly morph between clean frames.
⦁ Frame Fixel ML: AI-driven automatic repair of damaged frames and creation of track-free morphs.
⦁ Depth Map ML: AI-estimated generation of high-quality depth data from 2D images for advanced matting and effects control.
Learn more about Silhouette here : https://borisfx.com/products/silhouette/
#aitools #VFX #rotoscoping")
![Why Should You Be Using Pixel Chooser for Every Effect? [Boris FX]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/uYff5KuOS00/mqdefault.jpg "Why Should You Be Using Pixel Chooser for Every Effect? [Boris FX]
Unlock the full power of Continuum’s Pixel Chooser in this step-by-step tutorial! Learn how to isolate effects with precision using masks, gradients, and machine learning tools like Mask ML, Face ML, and Depth Map ML across After Effects, Avid, Premiere Pro, and DaVinci Resolve. Whether youre enhancing skies, refining skin, or adding cinematic fog, this guide shows you how to do it fast and beautifully.
// K E Y P O I N T S //
⦁ Pixel Chooser offers manual masking options like rectangles and gradients, allowing precise control over where effects are applied.
⦁ Tools like Mask ML, Face ML, and Depth Map ML automate complex masking tasks—perfect for isolating faces, skies, or background elements with minimal effort.
⦁ Mocha projects can be saved and reused across After Effects, Avid, Premiere Pro, and Resolve, streamlining multi-platform editing.
⦁ Matte Refine ML cleans up hard edges with a single click, especially useful for hair, skin, and soft transitions.
⦁ Pixel Chooser’s Apply Modes offer advanced compositing control for layered effects.
Learn more about Continuum here: https://borisfx.com/products/continuum/
// D I S C O R D C H A N N E L //
https://www.borisfxdiscord.com/
#retouching #VFX #videoeffects
/ / C H A P T E R L I S T / /
00:00 - Introduction
00:38 - Where to find Pixel Chooser
01:14 - Mask
01:54 - Gradient
02:44 - Matte
03:18 - Combining mattes
05:34 - Mask ML
06:43 - Exporting Mocha projects
07:11 - Matte Refine ML
08:25 - Merging Mocha projects
10:05 - Sharing Mocha projects between hosts
10:47 - Face ML
12:15 - Depth Map ML
15:39 - Apply Modes")
![Introducing Continuum FCP and Free Looks Plugin [Boris FX Live #38]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ubHAkBP0ckc/mqdefault.jpg "Introducing Continuum FCP and Free Looks Plugin [Boris FX Live #38]
Introducing Continuum FCP and Free Looks Plugin [Boris FX Live #38]")
