Uploaded September 2025 | Updated September 2026, 4 days ago
Learn how to create realistic fireworks in Adobe After Effects using only CC Particle World just using the included effects.
I decided to see how close to realistic it was possible to get using just the included effects (and I think I got pretty close). The underlying trick is based on layering effects and their order in the stack. In this step-by-step tutorial, I’ll walk you through building fireworks from scratch with expressions, duplicates, and smart use of CC Particle World. We’ll cover sparks, smoke trails, explosions, flashes, and even add a 3D camera fly-through. Perfect for VFX artists, hobbyists, and anyone who wants to avoid costly plugins like Trapcode Particular.
*Get ShiveringCactus VFX as phone cases, T-shirts, mugs: redbubble.com/people/ShiveringCactus/shop*
*Or buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/shiveringcactus*
*⬇️ Download the project file here*
(Pay What You Want, including free):
- Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/s/3bac105534
- Fourthwall: shiveringcactus-shop.fourthwall.com/products/realistic-fireworks-in-after-effects-aep-project
*🎁 Bonus: Free step-by-step PDF:*
- Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/s/1997ac9ec8
- Fourthwall: shiveringcactus-shop.fourthwall.com/products/realistic-fireworks-in-after-effects-print-version
*▶️ Other videos mentioned:*
- youtu.be/dYYmeBOWXpw
- youtu.be/6rXMElJKb_s
- youtu.be/Cu7l9-yTMis
If you try this effect, share your results in the comments—I’d love to see them!
------------------------------------------------------------
*🔖Chapters*
00:00 Disney (sort of)
01:22 Layer and Color Expression Controls
02:43 Linking CC Particle World to a 3D Null
08:35 Duplicating the effect
11:06 Animating the BANG!
17:07 Finishing touches
#aftereffects #particles #tutorial @AdobeVideo
I'm an Adobe Community Expert - which means you can find me on the Adobe forums if you need any help. community.adobe.com/t5/after-effects/ct-p/ct-after-effects?page=1&sort=latest_replies&lang=all&tabid=all
#AdobeCommunityExperts
Learn how to create realistic fireworks in Adobe After Effects using only CC Particle World just using the included effects.
I decided to see how close to realistic it was possible to get using just the included effects (and I think I got pretty close). The underlying trick is based on layering effects and their order in the stack. In this step-by-step tutorial, I’ll walk you through building fireworks from scratch with expressions, duplicates, and smart use of CC Particle World. We’ll cover sparks, smoke trails, explosions, flashes, and even add a 3D camera fly-through. Perfect for VFX artists, hobbyists, and anyone who wants to avoid costly plugins like Trapcode Particular.
*Get ShiveringCactus VFX as phone cases, T-shirts, mugs: redbubble.com/people/ShiveringCactus/shop*
*Or buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/shiveringcactus*
*⬇️ Download the project file here*
(Pay What You Want, including free):
- Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/s/3bac105534
- Fourthwall: shiveringcactus-shop.fourthwall.com/products/realistic-fireworks-in-after-effects-aep-project
*🎁 Bonus: Free step-by-step PDF:*
- Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/s/1997ac9ec8
- Fourthwall: shiveringcactus-shop.fourthwall.com/products/realistic-fireworks-in-after-effects-print-version
*▶️ Other videos mentioned:*
- youtu.be/dYYmeBOWXpw
- youtu.be/6rXMElJKb_s
- youtu.be/Cu7l9-yTMis
If you try this effect, share your results in the comments—I’d love to see them!
------------------------------------------------------------
*🔖Chapters*
00:00 Disney (sort of)
01:22 Layer and Color Expression Controls
02:43 Linking CC Particle World to a 3D Null
08:35 Duplicating the effect
11:06 Animating the BANG!
17:07 Finishing touches
#aftereffects #particles #tutorial @AdobeVideo
I'm an Adobe Community Expert - which means you can find me on the Adobe forums if you need any help. community.adobe.com/t5/after-effects/ct-p/ct-after-effects?page=1&sort=latest_replies&lang=all&tabid=all
#AdobeCommunityExperts
