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Best Free Alternatives to Plexus (After Effects)
Stop paying $249. Discover professional-grade tools that won't break your budget.
Category: Motion GraphicsVerified for 2025
Top Recommended Replacements
Blender Geometry Nodes
FREEBest Overall FOSS Alternative
Why we like it
Complete procedural control; easily connect thousands of points with dynamic lines; massive community-made 'Plexus' node groups available for free.
Keep in mind
Requires leaving After Effects; logic is node-based rather than layer-based.
Cavalry (Free Version)
FREEBest for 2D/3D Motion Design
Why we like it
Built by motion designers for motion designers; features a 'Connection' shape that mimics Plexus perfectly; high-speed procedural engine.
Keep in mind
Free version has resolution limits (960x540) and some advanced nodes are locked.
Houdini Apprentice
FREEBest for Technical VFX
Why we like it
The industry standard for proceduralism; infinite flexibility to connect particles based on distance, velocity, or attributes.
Keep in mind
Steepest learning curve on this list; free version has a watermark and resolution limits.
TiXL (formerly Tooll3)
Best for Real-time Visuals
Why we like it
Specifically designed for generative art and VJing; real-time performance; modern node-based interface.
Keep in mind
Smaller community means fewer tutorials compared to Blender or Houdini.
Processing / p5.js
Best for Creative Coding
Why we like it
The birthplace of the Plexus aesthetic; total control over the math behind the lines; massive library of open-source scripts.
Keep in mind
Requires writing code (Java or JavaScript); no visual timeline like After Effects.
Natron
Best for FOSS Compositing
Why we like it
Node-based compositor; supports OpenFX; can handle basic particle-to-line workflows with community scripts.
Keep in mind
Lacks a dedicated 'Plexus' tool; requires building the effect using multiple nodes.
DaVinci Resolve (Fusion Page)
FREEBest for VFX Integration
Why we like it
Powerful 3D particle system built-in; 'Duplicate' and 'Custom Tool' nodes can create network-style visuals for free.
Keep in mind
The specific 'Plexus' line-rendering style requires custom node setups which can be complex to build from scratch.
Saber (Video Copilot)
FREEBest for Energy Networks
Why we like it
Can be used to create glowing, energetic paths that mimic the Plexus 'beam' look; works natively inside After Effects.
Keep in mind
Limited to rendering paths; cannot natively generate a dynamic 3D particle network.
Nodes (by Yanobox) - Free Trial
FREEBest for UI/FUI Design
Why we like it
Incredibly fast; creates beautiful data visualizations and complex interconnected nodes.
Keep in mind
Paid software, but has a functional trial for testing specific projects.
Three.js
Best for Web-Based Motion
Why we like it
Standard for 3D on the web; includes many 'Point Cloud' and 'Line' examples that look exactly like Plexus.
Keep in mind
Web-centric; requires exporting frames if you want to use it in a video project.
VVVV
FREEBest for Large-Scale Installs
Why we like it
Visual live-programming environment; excellent at handling thousands of real-time objects; great for interactive art.
Keep in mind
Windows only; primarily designed for live installations rather than video rendering.
Vebas (C4D Plugin)
FREEBest for Cinema 4D Users
Why we like it
Open-source plugin for C4D that creates connections between objects/points similar to Plexus.
Keep in mind
Requires Cinema 4D; limited feature set compared to a full suite.
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