Uploaded May 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Turn flat smoke elements into REALISTIC, dynamically-lit VFX with this powerful After Effects technique!
Download the required plugins:
- Normal Mapper for AE: bit.ly/normal-mapper-for-ae
- Normality: bit.ly/normality-plugin
FREE Practice Footage Library: bit.ly/3SC81fa
Free smoke plumes collection: bit.ly/4jUWfJ7
In this step-by-step tutorial, Sam from ActionVFX shows you how to create normal maps for your 2D smoke assets and add realistic fire illumination—all within Adobe After Effects.
🚀 SKILLS YOU'LL MASTER:
- Creating normal maps from 2D smoke elements
- Setting up dynamic lighting in After Effects
- Using track mattes for realistic illumination
- Blending multiple light sources (fire, moonlight)
- Fine-tuning VFX for maximum realism
🆓 FREE RESOURCES:
FREE Big Fire 1 using code in video: bit.ly/430OA64
Redemption Code Expires May 29th 2025
Practice plate from ActionVFX Practice Footage Library: bit.ly/3SC81fa
Free smoke plumes collection: bit.ly/4jUWfJ7
⏱️ AFTER EFFECTS TUTORIAL BREAKDOWN:
00:00 - Introduction & Before/After Results
01:00 - Required Plugins (Free Resources)
01:42 - Setting Up Your Project
02:42 - Option 1: Static Lighting Setup
03:08 - Creating Depth & Normal Maps
05:08 - Adding Dynamic Lights
07:08 - Option 2: Reference-Based Lighting
08:49 - Widening Your Smoke Effect
11:15 - Improving Illumination with Fire Glow
12:37 - Fine-Tuning Your Smoke for Realism
13:37 - Adding Secondary Light Sources
14:48 - Final Results & Demo
PRO TIP: This technique works with ANY ActionVFX smoke asset in your library—from plumes to atmospheric FX!
SUBSCRIBE for our upcoming tutorial on relighting atmospheric smoke!
Try ActionVFX Essentials for access to all assets shown in this tutorial
#aetutorial #vfxcompositing #vfxassets
Make It Real with ActionVFX!
Download From Our VFX library: bit.ly/3NXRkII
Join our creative community!
Connect with us on our Discord Server to stay updated on our latest news, giveaways, announcements, contests, and more!
bit.ly/3MoqR6H
Turn flat smoke elements into REALISTIC, dynamically-lit VFX with this powerful After Effects technique!
Download the required plugins:
- Normal Mapper for AE: bit.ly/normal-mapper-for-ae
- Normality: bit.ly/normality-plugin
FREE Practice Footage Library: bit.ly/3SC81fa
Free smoke plumes collection: bit.ly/4jUWfJ7
In this step-by-step tutorial, Sam from ActionVFX shows you how to create normal maps for your 2D smoke assets and add realistic fire illumination—all within Adobe After Effects.
🚀 SKILLS YOU'LL MASTER:
- Creating normal maps from 2D smoke elements
- Setting up dynamic lighting in After Effects
- Using track mattes for realistic illumination
- Blending multiple light sources (fire, moonlight)
- Fine-tuning VFX for maximum realism
🆓 FREE RESOURCES:
FREE Big Fire 1 using code in video: bit.ly/430OA64
Redemption Code Expires May 29th 2025
Practice plate from ActionVFX Practice Footage Library: bit.ly/3SC81fa
Free smoke plumes collection: bit.ly/4jUWfJ7
⏱️ AFTER EFFECTS TUTORIAL BREAKDOWN:
00:00 - Introduction & Before/After Results
01:00 - Required Plugins (Free Resources)
01:42 - Setting Up Your Project
02:42 - Option 1: Static Lighting Setup
03:08 - Creating Depth & Normal Maps
05:08 - Adding Dynamic Lights
07:08 - Option 2: Reference-Based Lighting
08:49 - Widening Your Smoke Effect
11:15 - Improving Illumination with Fire Glow
12:37 - Fine-Tuning Your Smoke for Realism
13:37 - Adding Secondary Light Sources
14:48 - Final Results & Demo
PRO TIP: This technique works with ANY ActionVFX smoke asset in your library—from plumes to atmospheric FX!
SUBSCRIBE for our upcoming tutorial on relighting atmospheric smoke!
Try ActionVFX Essentials for access to all assets shown in this tutorial
#aetutorial #vfxcompositing #vfxassets
Make It Real with ActionVFX!
Download From Our VFX library: bit.ly/3NXRkII
Join our creative community!
Connect with us on our Discord Server to stay updated on our latest news, giveaways, announcements, contests, and more!
bit.ly/3MoqR6H
